November 23, 2021
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ICYMI: GOVERNOR HOCHUL, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MTA LEADERSHIP TOUR SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY TUNNELS |
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Historic Level of Federal Grant Opportunities for Transit Expansion Made Available in Infrastructure Bill Signed by President Biden
Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, "The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will revitalize our nation's crumbling transportation infrastructure; having a tremendous impact on projects across New York City and State, including in my congressional district. One of those long-awaited projects is the Second Avenue Subway Phase II extension, which is currently pending Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approval" said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "I am delighted to be joined by Governor Hochul and the MTA during today's tour of this major transit project that will have a transformative impact on my constituents and residents across New York City and the state - and tout our collective efforts to make transit safer and more accessible for all across our region." Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, "I am thrilled to join Governor Hochul and leaders from across the city in touring the Second Avenue subway tunnel construction. This project and many others wouldn't be possible without the funding allocated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I passed alongside my Democratic colleagues in the House. This legislation provides more than $10 billion to New York for critical infrastructure projects to expand our mass transit network, improve transit options, including bus & bike lanes, and invest in our communities. When the Second Avenue expansion is complete, it will help thousands of working families underserved by transit get around safely and effectively." Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, "Phase 2 of the 2nd Avenue Subway will serve New Yorkers from 96th to 125th Streets, connecting East Harlem to midtown, lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn. It will create jobs and generate economic growth. I was proud to lead the effort to build Phase 1, and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul, Janno Lieber, and Congressman Adriano Espaillat to see Phase 2 completed."\ Senator José Serrano said, "The long-anticipated expansion of the Second Avenue Subway will drastically improve quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers who live, work, or attend school in East Harlem. As New Yorkers return to the subway, Phase 2 can bring much-needed relief from overcrowded trains and lack of access to the Lexington Avenue line. I'm pleased that this project will be able to take advantage of new federal funding, and I thank Governor Hochul and Congressman Espaillat for their commitment to transportation equity in New York City." Senator Elect Cordell Cleare said, "I am ecstatic that this long awaited project is finally being undergone in Harlem. This will bring economic opportunities to the neighborhood and will connect Harlem residents with west Chester and the rest of the city. Thank you to Governor Hochul for finally making this old promise come true and vastly improving the lives of those in the Harlem community." Assemblymember Al Taylor said, "I am delighted to see the federal funds be put to good use in my home community of Harlem. This much needed extension will make the lives of my constituents in the 71st district easier, faster, and more pleasant. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for ensuring that phase 2 of this project presses on and I am looking forward to seeing its completion." Assemblymember Rob Rodriguez said, "This is New York City's biggest expansion of the subway system in more than 50 years and will expand service on Second Avenue in the Upper East Side into East Harlem. The second phase of the project, between E 125th and E 96th Streets, was allocated by the state $1.035 Billion to Phase 2 of the Second Avenue project to expand services into East Harlem, with the goal of creating transit equity, as our community relies on quick access for their daily lives. The Lexington Avenue line of the New York City Transit is one of the busiest transit lines in the country. This expansion of the Second Avenue line will allow convenient transfers to other subway and commuter rail lines- facilitating faster and smoother transportation across the city and region. The three new stations along with the first phase of the project will increase ridership by 300,000 riders daily. These new stations will allow East Harlem residents and visitors a one-seat ride to Midtown and a connection to the other parts of the city." Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer said, "Phase II of the Second Avenue Subway is arguably the most important infrastructure project in the borough of Manhattan currently. Not only will it critically provide for quicker transit times in the East Harlem community and reduce congestion on the Lexington Avenue line, but it will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, which should primarily go to the same East Harlem community. Congratulations to our state colleagues, including Governor Hochul, for ardently advocating for this project and to our federal colleagues for supporting funding, notably through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIF)." Councilmember Diana Ayala said, "I am delighted to hear of the commencement of phase two of the Second Avenue Subway. The designated funding from the recently approved infrastructure bill will create increased accessibility and a more efficient transit system. This expansion will enable thousands of constituents to have a timely commute to and from their offices; enhance children's school travel; and heighten tourist visits to our beloved East Harlem community. I want to thank Senator Schumer, Congressman Espaillat and Governor Hochul for their tireless efforts and advocacy in making this happen." |
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