NEW YORK: Elected leaders representing the East Side of Manhattan heralded new funds for the much needed Second Avenue subway today at Grand Central Station. The U.S. House of Representatives approved $2 million in funding on Friday for the much needed East Side line as part of the annual transportation appropriations bill and the Senate is expected to pass the bill as well next week.

"There's no better time to invest in New York's future than now," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (Manhattan, Queens). "Just rebuilding after September 11 isn't enough. We need to make the economy stronger than ever before and building the Second Avenue subway is a critical part of that effort. I am thrilled to have helped in securing federal funds for the Second Avenue subway for a second year in a row, because without federal support these projects just won't happen. With a portion of funds committed now, it's much more likely to get greater funds down the road."

Earlier in the week, the MTA Board approved a $200 million contract for preliminary engineering for the full length Second Ave subway project. This work will include the design of the tunnel structures from 125th Street to lower Manhattan and the rehabilitation of the existing tunnels to conform to new tunnel construction. The work will also include the design of station envelopes, utilities, track work, mechanical systems, life safety systems, communications systems and maintenance facilities and storage yards.

"For years, I have lead the fight for construction of a full-length Second Avenue subway," said State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "At no time in this long struggle has the need for a full-length Second Avenue subway been greater or more clear than it is now in the wake of the September 11th attacks."

"The Second Avenue subway is a critical project for New York's future," said Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, who heads the Second Avenue subway Task Force. "These federal funds are a vital part of our collective work at city, state, and national levels to make this project a reality. I was pleased this year to present the MTA with more than seventeen thousand postcards in support of the Second Avenue subway and to allocate $1 million dollars last year to help keep the Second Avenue subway moving forward. Together, we have the will and the resources to rebuild New York and make it stronger than ever."

"Governor Pataki has made the Second Avenue subway a transportation priority and under his leadership we have been able to commence the preliminary engineering on the project," said Peter S. Kalikow, Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "We are therefore very pleased with today's announcement. We thank Congresswoman Maloney and our two U.S. Senators and the entire delegation for their support. We also recognize the strong support of Speaker Sheldon Silver. Clearly, the continued strong and united efforts of the entire delegation are pivotal to making this critical project a reality."

"East Siders who commute every day on the overcrowded Lex line will be elated to hear that the federal government supported the Second Avenue subway for a second year in a row," said City Councilmember Gifford Miller. "Many people worked throughout the year to ensure that these funds were approved, especially our Senators and Congresswoman Maloney. I look forward to working in the City Council this year and in future years to ensure that the Second Avenue subway remains a top priority for the city."

"As a result of the new allocation of federal funds this year, we are one step closer to actually building and completing the urgently needed Second Avenue subway," said City Councilmember Eva Moskowitz. "Those of us in the City Council who know how important this project is will continue to work day-in and day-out with Congresswoman Maloney, Speaker Silver, Borough President Fields, the MTA and everyone involved in making this vital project a reality."

Also attending today's news conference in support of the Second Avenue subway project was Rita Schwartz, Director of Government Relations for New York's General Contractors Association.

Noting that the success of the Second Avenue subway project depends on united efforts at federal, state and city levels, Maloney recognized Senators Schumer and Clinton, Representatives Jose Serrano, Charlie Rangel, Jerrold Nadler, Nydia Velazquez, and the entire New York Congressional delegation, as well as State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Borough President C. Virginia Fields, Governor Pataki, MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow, City Council Speaker Peter Vallone and Council Members Gifford Miller and Eva Moskowitz for their leadership in helping to secure funds and commitments for the project.

The following funds for city transit projects are also included in the 2002 Transportation Appropriations Bill passed by the House on Friday:

. $14.7 million for the East Side Access project, which will connect the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Grand Central Station

. $5 million for a Cross-Harbor Freight Rail Tunnel Study to explore ways to ease bridges and tunnel congestion in the city.

. $3 million for the Jamaica Station Intermodal to improve the station's bus and passenger facilities.