Rep. Maloney Joins Gov. Cuomo and Community Activists for Inaugural Second Ave Subway Ride

NEW YORK, NY – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), longtime champion of the new Second Avenue Subway who led the charge to secure $1.3 billion in federal funding for the project, joined Governor Andrew Cuomo, elected officials, and other community activists for the inaugural ride of the new subway line today. Following the ride, the Congresswoman released the following statement:

“I can think of no better way to ring in the New Year than taking the inaugural ride on the new Second Avenue Subway. Politics at its best is about making the impossible happen, and for too long I was told this project was impossible. But now, we are here at last. I am so thrilled that Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway is finally complete – nearly 100 years in the making! This monumental accomplishment, which would not have been possible without the $1.3 billion in federal funds I was able to secure, marks a new beginning for Second Avenue, New Yorkers, businesses, and visitors to our great city. This new subway line will bring with it vastly improved transportation for the Upper East Side by alleviating the severe overcrowding of the Lexington Avenue line – one of the most congested subway lines in the nation. It will also be economic boon to Manhattan, particularly for businesses along Second Avenue that have had to cope with years of construction-related disruptions.

“I am thankful to Governor Cuomo for his strong support for the Second Avenue Subway and for being an ally of the people of New York City in Albany, the MTA for its tireless hard work, and most importantly to the community – residents and business owners – who dealt with the noise, dirt and congestion during construction, realizing that the final result was worth the wait.

“As we celebrate the opening of phase one we should also renew our commitment to making sure this new line is eventually extended all the way from Wall Street to 125th Street. We got a fantastic Christmas present on December 23rd when the Federal Transit Administration gave its approval for second phase of this new subway line to enter Project Development under the New Starts Program – this is a two year process of environmental review and engineering at the end of which, the project will be eligible for significant federal funding, estimated to be roughly 1/3 of the initial cost.”

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