U.S. DOT grants $2.85 billion for Lower Manhattan

The U.S. Department of Transportation granted $2.85 billion in transit funding for Lower Manhattan, the first down payment to restore mass transit in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, terrorist attacks. Peter S. Kalikow, Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority, said, "We are pleased that Governor Pataki designated these important MTA projects as priorities for 100% funding." The following grants were issued: --A $1.7 billion grant for the World Trade Center Permanent PATH Terminal--a terminal under the World Trade Center site to serve the PATH subway system and provide pedestrian connections. Prior to Sept. 11, 2001, the WTC Terminal served over 130,000 commuter trips daily. --A $750 million grant for the Fulton Street Transit Center-- a rehabilitated, enhanced, multi-level underground complex of stations to serve 12 different subway lines and over 275,000 commuter trips daily. --A $400 million grant for the South Ferry Subway Terminal--replacement of the functionally obsolete station adjacent to and under Battery Park. The project will transform the single track, five-car station that serves the 1 and 9 subway lines with a three-track, 10-car, stub end two-platform terminal, and will be located immediately adjacent to renovated Staten Island ferry. Since the Fall of 2002, the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been working with New York Gov. George E. Pataki, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and a transportation working group, have worked to identify and prioritize major transportation capital investment projects to be implemented with the available funding.