FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 18, 2000
Contact: Velvet Snow
Telephone: (202) 366-4043
FTA 18-00
Transportation Deputy Secretary Downey
Announces $3.5 Million Grant
to MTA for 72nd St. Station
U.S. Deputy
Secretary of Transportation Mortimer L. Downey today announced $3.5 million in
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for the New York Metropolitan
Transportation Authority (MTA). The
funds will be used for the rehabilitation of the historic 72nd Street
Station.
“Mass transit is a key to rebuilding
our cities and will help advance President Clinton and Vice President Gore’s
livability initiative to help communities across America grow in ways that
ensure a high quality of life and strong, sustainable, economic growth,”
Downey said.
In a ceremonial presentation, Deputy Secretary Downey, joined by U.S. Rep. Jerry
Nadler, and Larry Reuter, President of the MTA New York City Transit awarded MTA
$3.5 million for the project, which will be completed in December 2002.
“The 72nd
Street Station improvement project is a symbol of our commitment to public
transportation, and an example of what we can do when interested groups and
government at all levels work together to serve the needs of our local
communities,” Congressman Nadler said.
MTA will use the grant to relieve congestion in the station, provide access for
the physically challenged and bring the station to a state of good repair.
Planned upgrades include renovation of the existing 72nd
Street Control House, construction of a new Control House north of 72nd
Street, new stairs for increased access to station platforms, and new elevators
that will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Funds will also be used to build a new park, pedestrian mall and
sidewalks for greater access to the station and nearby bus stops. Such transit-related amenities enhance the aesthetics of the
transit facility while at the same time enabling easier and safer access.
Upon completion, the station will operate with the existing Control House
as a part-time entrance and the new Control House as a full-time entrance.
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Briefing
Room