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$2 Billion on tap for JFK rail link

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives recently moved legislation out of committee that will give New York the last $2 billion of post-September 11, 2001 federal aid, which will go towards creating a new rail link for Lower Manhattan.
The much-hyped rail project would connect Long Island, Brooklyn and John F. Kennedy International Airport into lower Manhattan, and provide commuters a viable public transportation option to and from these areas.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee, including Queens Congressmember Joseph Crowley, for the allocation of the funding.
“This new rail link will help solidify Lower Manhattan’s standing as one of the world’s premier centers for finance; create tens of thousands of new, permanent jobs; produce between $9-$12 billion annually in economic output; and improve mass transit options throughout the metropolitan region,” Bloomberg said.
The funding for the rail link was part of a Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act that would create a new network of incentives for use and production of renewable energy as well as empowering state and local governments to promote energy-efficient policies that meet their individual needs.
“Through targeted incentives for consumers and businesses alike, this energy bill that I am proud to have had a role in shaping tackles the growing threat of global warming and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels by encouraging more use of renewable energy and better conservation,” Crowley said.
Now, the legislation must receive approval from both houses of the legislature and President George Bush’s approval before becoming a reality.