Gov. Cuomo outlines goals for N.Y. infrastructure, wants train to LaGuardia

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed his "2015 Opportunity Agenda" initiative, which includes a six-point plan outlining his vision to strengthen and modernize New York's infrastructure, including an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport.

 

LaGuardia Airport is New York’s primary domestic air gateway, serving nearly 27 million passengers annually. For years travelers, businesses and airport employees have called for improved accessibility to LaGuardia. In addition to modernizing airport facilities, the state will also improve access by creating an Air-Train to LaGuardia that directly connects to the subway and Long Island Rail Road at Mets-Willets Point Station. The AirTrain will be constructed by the Port Authority and Metropolitan Transportation Authority at an estimated cost of $450 million.

“Governor Cuomo has offered a clear vision and strong call for the transportation infrastructure that is absolutely essential for the New York region to compete successfully in the global economy,” said Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye and MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast in a collaborative statement. “The Port Authority and the MTA are working closely to establish the scope, schedule and management of the LaGuardia AirTrain, just as they worked closely to create the successful JFK AirTrain. We will build this project in a cost-effective way that minimizes disruptions to nearby communities, as well as airport operations and we can get it done within five years of obtaining all necessary approvals.”

Other rail-related improvements outlined in his plan include building new Metro-North stations in the Bronx and Extend Access to Penn Station. Metro-North access to Penn Station will enhance transit between New York City and the surrounding area and will strengthen the region’s resiliency in the face of future storms. The Penn Access project will provide new rail service to underserved and growing portions of the Bronx to the West Side of Manhattan and to growing jobs centers in Westchester and beyond. The state will build four new stations in the Bronx – Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester and Hunts Point – to extend rail access to more than93,000 residents living near the stations. The project will also serve one of the largest concentrations of medical facilities in the United States at the Morris Park station. The cost of the new line and stations are less than $1 billion, with the state investing $250 million of that funding.

The plan also includes constructing parking structures near transit hubs. To help alleviate congestion due to area growth, the state will invest in the development of vertical parking facilities at the Ronkonkoma and Nassau Hub locations on Long Island and at Lighthouse Landing in Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County. New York will invest $150 million to help offset the cost of the parking facilities.

To ensure it remains one of the most efficient, effective and resilient mass transit systems in the world, Gov. Cuomo said the state will invest $750 million into the MTA capital plan to ensure that strategic investments are made into the system to improve passenger experiences through the purchase of 900 new subway cars and 1800 next generation buses; enhance the reliability and capacity of its signal system and passenger notification; continue with projects that improve and enhance service and ensure the system is protected from future natural disasters.

Tags: