(The following story by Steve Ritea appeared on the Newsday website on August 8.)
NEW YORK — Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday announced $210 million in federal funding for East Side Access, the $7.2-billion project to link the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal by 2015.
Although the funds – received through a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation – had been anticipated, their final approval is still welcome news as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority wrestles with a fiscal crisis that forced the agency to delay a slew of other, smaller capital projects last month.
“East Side Access is a crucial mass transit project for New York City and this funding means less crowded subways and buses, more convenient routes and less wear and tear on our rails and roads,” Schumer said.
“This is a wise investment in New York’s infrastructure that will improve transportation services for many New Yorkers and Long Islanders who are feeling the strain of the daily commute,” Clinton added.
The project, which still needs about $3 billion in funds, recently reached a milestone when one of the tunnels the LIRR needs between Queens and Grand Central was completed.
Also yesterday, Schumer said the Federal Transit Administration had awarded $490,000 for upgrades at Long Island Bus, which serves Nassau County.