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Federal
Transit Administration 24-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens, (202) 366-4043
Friday, June 20, 2003
U.S.
Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces Funding For First Lower Manhattan
Recovery Transit Project
In
keeping with President Bush's commitment to aid in rebuilding lower Manhattan,
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced approval of $50
million in initial funding for one of several large capital projects needed to
rebuild and improve the transportation network of Lower Manhattan.
The Fulton Street Transit Center, sponsored by the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority (MTA), and designed to connect several Lower Manhattan
transit lines, is part of the Bush Administration's continuing efforts to
restore and strengthen the infrastructure that was destroyed by the terrorist
attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
After
the tragic events of 9/11, Secretary Mineta immediately committed to a quick
response from the U.S. Department of Transportation. "This $50 million
grant awarded today represents the Bush Administration's continued commitment to
rebuilding lower Manhattan and to transportation as a strategic investment that
strengthens the economy," Secretary Mineta said.
"This grant maximizes the freedom of mobility for all New
Yorkers."
"This
is certainly a major step towards the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan.
And, we are thrilled that we have the ability to continue moving the
projects forward. Rest assured, we will continue to work with our local partners
and project sponsors to ensure that the mobility and economic vitality, that so
defines the spirit of New York, is restored to even greater levels and
strength," said Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer Dorn.
Acknowledging
the President's request last year, Congress appropriated $4.55 billion in
federal aid to rebuild and enhance transportation projects designed to
significantly improve mobility in lower Manhattan.
Since the fall of 2002, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been working with New York Gov.
George E. Pataki, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and a transportation
working group the Governor assembled, including the State of New York, the City
of New York, MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), and the
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to identify and prioritize major
transportation capital investment projects to be implemented with the available
funding.
In
February 2003, Governor Pataki identified nine potential projects to be funded
for this $4.55 billion, including specific funding requests for three projects.
This initial $50 million grant will provide funding for the environmental
and preliminary engineering work for the Fulton Street Transit Center, the first
of these three projects. Development
of the other two projects continues. FTA
is working with PANYNJ on the development of the permanent PATH station complex
- which is being considered in conjunction with the planning and design for
redevelopment of the entire World Trade Center site.
FTA and MTA also are examining improvements to the South Ferry Subway
Terminal.
In addition, FTA and the Department's Federal Highway Administration are working with other local agencies to define the projects under consideration for the remainder of funding.
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