By Philip Newman
Work will continue on such major transportation projects as the Second Avenue subway and the East Side Access under an agreement involving Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature.
The accord would provide $13.1 billion and make possible the purchase of new subway and commuter train cars along with elevators and escalators and subway station repairs and improvements for the last three years of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s 2010-14 construction projects.
The agreed-on money will relieve a shortage in the MTA’s $22 billion Capital Program.
Construction projects resulting from the money infusion are expected to create more than 100,000 jobs, officials said.
The MTA hailed the Albany agreement.
“The MTA is grateful for Gov. Cuomo’s leadership and commitment in recognizing the critical importance of funding mass transit and in particular fully funding our current Capital Program,” the agency said. “The MTA Capital Program not only provides for continued investment in our network, but also creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates economic activity across the entire state.
“With this funding, the MTA will continue to enhance our riders’ experience by investing in the future of our transportation network, as well as bringing our assets up to a state of good repair.”
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
