This just in: As expected, $200 million included in federal legislation for Second Avenue subway. More after the jump:
Serrano, Maloney Announce $200 Million
for 2nd Avenue Subway Project
Washington, DC - Today, Representatives José E. Serrano (NY-16) and Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) announced $200 million for the Second Avenue Subway project had been included in the FY2008 Transportation - HUD appropriations bill, which passed the full Appropriations Committee today.
"As the only New York City Member on the Appropriations Committee, I was happy to be able to help secure funding for this vital project," Serrano said. "New York City has a subway system that is the envy of many cities around the world. The new 2nd Avenue line will only improve our great system, making it more convenient for many users and less crowded for all. I would like to extend my thanks to my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for including this funding and of course to my friend Carolyn Maloney, who has been a tireless advocate for the 2nd Avenue Subway line. Many of her constituents and many of mine will see their commutes up and down the East Side of Manhattan improve when this project is complete."
"This is the largest infusion of federal funding to date for the Second Avenue Subway, with more to come when the MTA and the federal government sign a full-funding grant agreement for the project," said Maloney. "This is great news for all New York City straphangers, but especially those who ride the Lexington Avenue line, the most overcrowded subway in the nation. On day one, the Second Avenue Subway will carry nearly 200,000 riders, reducing crowding on the Lex line by 13 percent."
Serrano and Maloney have been long-time supporters of the Second Avenue Subway project, which when completed, will ease overcrowding and delays on the Lexington Avenue line, and provide new more convenient service for many users on the East Side of Manhattan.
