By Larry Penner
If Phase One of the Second Avenue subway opens by the end of December, or some time in early 2017, it is still a glass only one quarter full. (“Second Ave. Subway On Schedule,” Philip Newman‚ Oct. 28).
There is only $1.035 billion in funding contained within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority $27 Billion Five Year 2015 – 2019 Capital Program to support preliminary work for Phase Two north from 96th Street on to 125th Street. There is still the need of $4.965 billion for funding actual construction of Phase 2. These dollars will have to come from the next MTA Five Year 2020-2024 Capital Program.
Will Phase 2 incorporate the stretch of tunnel previously built in the 1970’s between 99th Street and 105th Street? Based upon the master grant agreement between the MTA nd USDOT FTA, if these portions of work do not go into transit use, Uncle Sam has the legal right to ask for its money back.
There are conflicting priorities and limited available funding. Regardless of the funding source, Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 will end up competing against many worthy projects in the next MTA Five Year 2020 – 2024 Capital Plan. Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 will be the largest single project proposed for funding in the plan, and could potentially consume almost 20% of the program’s money.
Going back decades, the city, state and MTA have consistently kicked the can down the road every five years. As a result, coming to a consensus on what to fund in the next Five Year Capital Program Plan will become even more difficult.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
(Larry Penner is a transportation historian and advocate who previously worked 31 years for the US Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office)
