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East Side Access

The East Side Access (ESA) project will connect the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) Main and Port Washington lines in Queens to a new LIRR terminal beneath Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The new connection will increase the LIRR's capacity to provide service into Manhattan, dramatically shorten travel time for Long Island commuters, and provide a new commuter rail station in Sunnyside, Queens.

Construction was scheduled to begin years ago but has been delayed due to funding issues. The MTA is pushing forward with the plan, selecting a contractor for tunneling in July 2006 and estimating the project will be completed by 2013. Cost estimates remain unclear and continue to rise. Federal government projections estimate the project to be over $7 billion.

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East Side Access Project Progresses Underground

Friday, July 18, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials have announced that tunnel boring machines working underground have reached Grand Central Terminal in their path to extend the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central. The project, known as the East Side Access, is scheduled for completion in 2015 at a total cost of $7.2 billion. Some observers applauded the announcement, citing the project’s benefits that include traffic alleviation and shortened commutes for Long Island rail riders.

Progress Made on East Side Access Project

Thursday, July 03, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Progress is being made on the MTA’s East Side Access project that will connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Station. The project has been underway for the past 8 months and a boring machine has dug from 63rd Street to Grand Central Terminal. Another parallel tunnel still needs to be dug. Another section will also be dug under Park Avenue and is expected to take 6-8 months.

Jacobs Engineering Group Awarded Contract for East Side Access Project

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | Other | Topic: Transportation

Jacobs Engineering Group, along with their joint venture partner LiRo Engineers, Inc., received a seven-year contract to provide consulting construction management services to the MTA on the East Side Access project. The contract value is estimated at about $75 million.

MTA Prepares New Capital Plan; Project Delays Persist

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | Reuters US Edition | Topic: Transportation

Rising construction costs and $9 billion gap in the MTA’s capital plan are causing delays in several capital projects, including the 2nd Avenue subway line, the East Side Access project, and the Fulton Street Transit Center. In response, the agency has drafted a new capital plan that includes $4.5 million in bonds from the proposed congestion pricing plan and will expand the budget from $21.3 to $29.5 billion.

MTA Projects Over Budget and Behind Schedule

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Because of rising construction costs, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will be $1.5 billion over budget in its four big construction projects: the 2nd Avenue Subway, East Side Access, the Fulton Street Transit Center and rebuilding the South Ferry terminal. Because of the budget problems, both the 2nd Ave. Subway and the East Side Access project have been delayed. They were both scheduled to open in 2013, but MTA now projects that they will open in 2015. Although the MTA’s five-year capital rebuilding program, which includes all these projects, may be cut back, the MTA does expect to pass the current plan along to legislators.

East Side Access Will Support Increased LIRR Ridership

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 | 1010 WINS | Topic: Transportation

The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is experiencing the highest ridership rates in the past 60 years with nearly 89.1 million passengers in 2007. LIRR officials are using the increased ridership numbers to promote the importance of the East Side Access project which will bring commuters from Long Island into Grand Central Station by 2014.

Bush Includes Funding for East Side Access and 2nd Avenue Subway

Tuesday, February 05, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

In the $3.1 trillion budget presented to Congress by President Bush this week, $211 million was included for the East Side Access Project that will connect the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Station on the East side. In addition, Bush's budget includes $277 million for construction of the 2nd Avenue Subway. Congress will now review President Bush's budget.

High Costs Force Delays and Cutbacks in Key Projects for MTA

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The East Side Access Project, 2nd Avenue Subway and the Number 7 Extension line will all be reviewed in the coming month by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in an effort to cut costs without compromising the Authority’s transportation goals. The MTA recently scaled back plans for the Fulton Street Transit Center glass entranceway because of costs. High construction and materials costs have lead recently to these transportation projects to be over budget and behind schedule. The three keys projects – East Side Access, 2nd Avenue Subway and the Number 7 Extension – have a combined budget of $12.5 billion. MTA Executive Director Eliot Sander has said that cutbacks will hopefully not directly affect riders.

MTA Capital Construction President Resigns

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Mysore Nagaraja, president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Capital Construction Co., is leaving at the end of January to take a consultant position in the private sector. His projects included the LIRR extension to Grand Central Terminal, the Second Avenue subway, the Fulton St. Transit Center and the No. 7 train extension. MTA officials express concern about how Nagaraja's departure will affect delays and rising costs for these projects.

MTA To Use Eminent Domain for East Side Access Project

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Land Use

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is using eminent domain in order to acquire a converted warehouse that has housed Flux Factory, a non-profit art organization and gallery, for five years. This warehouse, located in Long Island City, is only part of the MTA’s larger plan to acquire land in the neighborhood for the East Side Access project.

Contract Dispute Will Delay East Side Access Plan

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

After a bid to create the new concourse in Grand Central Terminal for the Long Island Rail Road came in $300 million too high earlier this year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been negotiating with the contractor to lower the price. Although the negotiations have been successful, the delays mean that the project will likely be pushed back six months, and will not open until 2014.

Progress with the East Side Access Project

Wednesday, December 05, 2007 | StreetsBlog | Topic: General

The tunnel boring machine has opened roughly 1,350 feet for the East Side Access project over the past month. Currently the machine is under Lexington Avenue and a parallel machine under 2nd Avenue and will begin running shortly. The access will connect LIRR trains to Grand Central Terminal

Earmarks for East Side Access and 2nd Ave Subway

Thursday, November 15, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Federal funding for the East Side Access Project and the 2nd Avenue Subway was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill that is awaiting final approval by Congress before it is sent to the President. $170 million was included for the 2nd Avenue Subway between 125th Street and Hanover Square. The 2nd Avenue Subway is expected to transport 600,000 people a day, which will provide some relief to the overcrowded Lexington Subway line. $215 million was included for the East Side Access project, which will connect the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. The East Side Access Project is expected to be completed by 2014.

Progress Continues on East Side Access Project

Friday, November 09, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Despite the MTA receiving a bid for part of the East Side Access Project that was $200 million higher than expected, efforts continue on other parts of the project that will connect the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. Crews are progressing gradually digging out what will become a tunnel for the trains. This phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2010 and is estimated to cost $428 million. The MTA hopes the East Side Access will be completed in 2014 and it is estimated to cost $6.3 billion.

Bid Makes MTA Rethink LIRR Grand Central Terminal

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials received a bid for the proposed Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminal under Grand Central that was $200 million more than expected. The MTA may call for more bids, or may break the project into smaller contracts, which could delay the project beyond its planned 2013 completion date. The MTA is also facing a predicted deficit next year due in part to lower than anticipated tax revenues.

Jamaica Station Renovation to Enhance Access to Grand Central

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) President Helena Williams is calling for a renovation of the Jamaica Station in Queens in order to facilitate quicker access to the East Side of Manhattan. Currently, nearly 90% of all LIRR trains pass through this station, which has a maximum capacity of 79 trains per hour. In addition, the layout of the tracks causes trains to significantly reduce their speed for the 2 miles entering and exiting the station. Williams’ proposal, which will be considered in three phases, will straighten out the existing tracks and build a new platform. The renovations are estimated to cost $387 million and finish by 2013.

Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access Project Move Forward

Thursday, October 04, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Transportation

Officials announced that a federal grant for $1.3 billion would be obtained soon to aid the Second Avenue Subway project. Other funding sources for the new subway line include $450 million Transportation Bond, and $1.05 billion from the State. Many anticipate that the new line will alleviate crowding on the Lexington Avenue line and will allow for better commute times. The East Side Access project will also be moving forward because a a 200-ton tunnel boring machine, which will dig from Long Island City to Manhattan, is scheduled to begin running within weeks. Once the East Side Access is completed in 2013, more than 150,000 Long Island Rail Road commuters are anticipated to take advantage of the project which will provide an easy ride between Pennsylvania Station and Grand Central Station.

Federal Funds a Possibility for 2nd Ave Subway and East Side Access

Saturday, September 15, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

$125 million in funding was included for the 2nd Avenue Subway in the Senate-passed Transportation funding bill for Fiscal Year 2008. Also included in the Senate bill was $200 million for the East Side Access Project. Funding levels will face at least one more hurdle as a Conference Committee must now hammer out the details of the House and Senate versions of the bill and develop compromise legislation that must be signed by the President.

Drilling Expected on East Side Access within Weeks

Friday, September 14, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials say that underground drilling will begin within a few weeks on the East Side Access, an anticipated rail extension that will allow Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) trains to enter the terminal at Grand Central. The first phase of the new tunnel will extend from Second Avenue to Park Avenue. The MTA expects to name a contractor for construction of an underground terminal at Grand Central by early 2008.

Tunneling on East Side Access Project to Begin Next Month

Monday, August 13, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Tunneling for the Long Island Rail Road’s connection to Grand Central Terminal is set to begin next month. The East Side Access Project will allow an increase in railroad traffic of up to fifty percent during rush house, and shorten commutes to the east side of Manhattan. The project is currently projected to be completed by December 2013.

NYC Capital Projects Such As 2nd Ave Subway May Be Delayed By Limited Labor Supply

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 | Gothamist | Topic: General

According to a presentation put together by the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center, the simultaneous progress on many large capital improvement projects within New York City could lead to a shortage in labor and key materials such as concrete and steel. The situation may further delay construction of several projects, as demand for certain professions is expected to outstrip supply. High demand for materials may also raise construction costs.

Federal Funding for NYC Mass Transit Projects

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 | Queens Gazette | Topic: Transportation

The House of Representatives has approved several chunks of federal funding for New York City mass transit projects. Approved funding included a $9 million grant to upgrade air traffic control at La Guardia Airport, $215 million for the East Side Access Project, and $200 million for the Second Avenue Subway. The funding was all set aside in the 2008 Transportation and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which must still be approved by the Senate as well.

East Side Access Project Moving Along

Monday, June 11, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

A tunnel boring machine arrived at the 63rd Street tunnel in Queens today, marking an important moment in the procession of the MTA’s East Side Access project. The MTA hopes to begin work on the new tunnel by the end of the summer. The East Side Access project is projected to cost $6.3 billion, and be completed in 2013.

East Side Access Requires use of Eminent Domain for Several Properties

Thursday, February 22, 2007 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

Eight buildings in Western Queens are likely to be taken over at least temporarily through eminent domain in order for the state to proceed with the East Side Access project. In order to build the LIRR link from Sunnyside to Grand Central Terminal the MTA needs to acquire at least some of these properties while temporarily taking possession of others. However some property owners say they will fight the decision, beginning at a public hearing planned for February 22nd. Other owners say they were already aware of the decision and have been working with the MTA to negotiate an acceptable price for the land.

Using Public-Private Partnerships to Finance State Projects

Sunday, February 18, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Finance

Governor Spitzer's expressed willingness to create more public-private partnerships has inspired a movement among investment bankers to propose buying state assets to finance those projects. So far, discussions have occurred between private firms and government agencies, like the Thruway Authority, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Private ownership of public infrastructure has grown nationally in recent years, as states like Illinois, Indiana, and California have sold their toll roads to the private sector. Proponents believe that public-private partnerships improve project efficiency and quality, while opponents fear that such deals exclude the public and the ability to change course. Only the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not entered into discussions.

MTA Head Considers Cost-Saving Policies

Friday, February 16, 2007 | Staten Island Advance | Topic: Transportation

Elliot Sander, new Executive Director of the MTA, outlined a plan yesterday before the New York State Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to close the state agency's looming budget gap, which is expected to exceed $1.79 billion in 2010. Sander claimed that 40% of the MTA's current costs of its $10 billion annual operating budget are controllable. In particular, he suggested consolidating the human resources of all seven MTA agencies and combining the three bus companies -- New York City Transit, MTA Bus, and Long Island Bus. Commenting on the increase in major construction projects, Sander said that he would investigate ways to finance the projects most efficiently.

Additional Costs on 7 Line Extension Could Hurt Other Projects

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

Rising construction costs will make the extension of the 7 train even more expensive, rising $1 billion more than expected. As a result, other critical MTA projects may be put on hold, including the Second Avenue Subway, the East Side Access, and the crucial repairs to the system. Head of the MTA, Elliot Sander, declined to say that the project is on hold, but registered his hesitation to award construction contracts until a deal is negotiated. The city, largely under the leadership of Mayor Bloomberg and Deputy Mayor Doctoroff, agreed to pay for the $2.1 billion project in exchange for development rights to the West Side yards. The city has no obligation, however, to pay for additional costs.

Bush Budget Backs Two Transportation Projects

Tuesday, February 06, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

President Bush's $2.9 trillion budget for 2008 includes funding for the Second Avenue extension and the East Side Access project, a rail link between Long Island and the Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street. The deputy director of the MTA said that the state agency had been in communication with the federal government about funding for the projects, and hailed the increases as "very good news." The first phase of the Second Avenue extension, which will cost $3.8 billion, is set to receive $1.3 billion in federal funds over a set of to-be-determined years. The $6.3 billion East Side Access will receive $215 million in federal funds.

Needed Transit Projects Might be Derailed Due to Costs

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), in the midst of a five-year, $21 billion capital campaign to expand and improve its transit system, might have to delay or eliminate necessary projects because of surging costs. According to one estimate, the MTA is already $1.4 billion over budget. Transit projects in jeopardy include long-awaited renovation to subway and commuter train stations, repairing old signal systems, and purchasing new buses and subway cars. Also in doubt are featured mega projects like the Second Avenue subway, a Long Island Rail Road link to Grand Central Terminal, and an extension of the No. 7 subway line. Some attribute the situation to rising construction costs, a weak dollar, and a reduction in the number of contractors for project bids.

Long Island Rail Link Center of Political Debate

Friday, January 26, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Competition for the vacancy in the 7th State Senate District on Long Island has heated up over the East Side Access project, the proposed linking of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street in Manhattan through a connection in Queens. Governor Spitzer supports the project, but Johnson’s Republican challenger, Maureen O’Connell, opposes the plan and is using Johnson’s loyalty to Spitzer as an attack. Johnson recently came out opposed to the East Side Access plan, despite the governor’s support, highlighting the project’s interference with local homeowners, a complaint first alleged by O’Connell.

Governor Criticizes Pace at Ground Zero

Thursday, January 04, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

Governor Spitzer said that Ground Zero had become a "monument to government gridlock" and promised to pick up the pace of the rebuilding. Spitzer raised the idea that the Freedom Tower may be shorter than planned. The governor also called for the construction of the first segment of the Second Avenue subway and a "plan for the full extension to lower Manhattan" and threw his support behind a plan to connect Long Island and Queens commuters to Grand Central Terminal.

End of 2006 Brought Approval For Major Projects

Monday, January 01, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Final approvals were granted to six major New York City economic development projetcs in the last month of 2006. Approval or financing was given to a Second Avenue subway; an extension of the Flushing Line to the Far West Side; a spur to connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal; financing for tens of thousands of apartments for low- and moderate-income residents; and the Atlantic Yards complex near Downtown Brooklyn, among others.

MTA Chairman Kalikow Will End Tenure on a Strong Note

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

MTA chairman Peter Kalikow, who abided by Governor-elect Spitzer’s wishes when he announced his desires to resign, will leave the agency just as the East Side Access, one of the MTA’s biggest goals, is being implemented. The federal government’s $2.6 billion commitment to the project, a rail link between the Long Island Rail Road and Grand Central Terminal, leaves Kalikow with a tough decision: when exactly should he leave his post? Spitzer has already chosen Elliot "Lee" Sander as Kalikow's replacement.

East Side Access Project Good for Long Island and Queens

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 | Queens Gazette | Topic: Transportation

The East Side Access project, a rail link between the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Grand Central Station on the east side of Manhattan, will not only reduce travel times for Long Island commuters but also benefit transportation hubs in Queens. Construction of the rail link, which recently received $2.6 billion in federal funding, has begun 75 feet below street level in Long Island City. The 63rd Street Tunnel, formerly dubbed the “tunnel to nowhere,” will connect the LIRR trains.

Federal Government Lends Massive Support to Transportation Projects

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The expansion of the Second Avenue Subway and the East Side Access, a link between the Long Island Rail Road and the Grand Central Terminal on the east side of Manhattan, received a boost from the federal government yesterday, who promised $2.6 billion for the rail link and $693 for the subway. While the announced figures do not cover the full costs of the respective projects, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters declared that Congress will be asked to re-appropriate a determined amount every year for the projects. Both expansions are expected to finish in 2013.

Port Authority Invests $2 Billion in NYC Transportation

Friday, December 15, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

The Port Authority has announced an investment of $4 billion in mass transit in New York and New Jersey as part of its ten-year capital plan. While $2 billion will be devoted to a rail tunnel under the Hudson River benefiting New Jersey commuters, the other half will go towards New York projects. Discretionary spending of that investment is mostly up to Governor-elect Spitzer, who has intimated that the investment will finance critical transit projects like the East Side Access, the Long Island Rail Road Link to Grand Central, the Second Avenue subway, and the Number 7 line extension.

Transit Advice For The New Governor

Monday, December 04, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

Public transit advocate Gene Russianoff offers advice to governor-elect Eliot Spitzer in an editorial in the New York Times. Russianoff favorably notes Spitzer's support for the Second Avenue Subway and the East Side Access projects. He also says Spitzer shouldn't pursue projects which divert resources from the MTA's "core rebuilding program."

MTA Chair Kalikow Intends To Leave Post In 2007

Friday, December 01, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

The chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Peter Kalikow, announced on Thursday that he plans to step down during the second quarter of 2007. The announcement came as a surprise to some who had expected a public battle between the current chairman and Governor-Elect Spitzer, who has revealed his interest in appointing a new chairman. Kalikow insisted on finishing key projects before resigning, such as the 2nd Avenue Subway and a new Long Island Rail Road connection to Grand Central Station.

NY Transportation Needs Have Good Prospects in New Congress

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Transportation

The recent ascension of powerful New York elected officials in the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Representative Jerry Nadler (D-Manhattan), bodes well for major transportation projects that have thus far received little federal funding. In particular, Schumer will seek added funds for the completion of the Second Avenue subway and the linking of the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal. Representative Nadler will focus on the cross-harbor freight tunnel between Brooklyn and either New Jersey or Staten Island.

The Next MTA Chairman?

Friday, November 10, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

Insiders are speculating that Eliot Spitzer may tap Elliot Sander, a former city transportation commissioner, to lead the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The current chairman, Peter Kalikow was recently appointed to a new six-year term and has said he plans to stay on at least until the federal government makes a final commitment to finance construction of two major projects: the Second Avenue subway and a Long Island Rail Road link to Grand Central Terminal.

Candidates' Views On MTA Projects

Monday, October 30, 2006 | New York Newsday | Topic: Transportation

Newsday summarizes gubernatorial candidates Eliot Spitzer and John Faso’s positions on MTA-funded projects including the 2nd Avenue Subway and creating access to Grand Central for LIRR trains.

Congress Approves LIRR Funds

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Long Island commuters can expect a straight shot to Grand Central Terminal by 2013 after federal transit authorities gave a green light to Congress yesterday to fund the East Side Access project. There is a projected $6.3-billion price tag on the Long Island Rail Road extension, meaning this full funding agreement carries about 40 percent of the total price.

Changes at Sunnyside Are On Track

Thursday, August 31, 2006 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Transportation

The plan to bring the LIRR to Grand Central Station with a stop in Sunnyside, is moving ahead on target to meet its scheduled completion date. The project will create an intermodal center at Sunnyside yards, linking the existing branch of the Long Island Rail Road under the railyards, through the existing 63rd Street tunnel and under Park Avenue to Grand Central Station.

Eliot Spitzer On Transportation

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Politics & Government

Gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer wants to make transportation his number one priority if elected to office. His top three projects are the 2nd Ave Subway, the LIRR connection at Grand Central Terminal, and the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The most likely projects to not get pushed through by Spitzer is the downtown JFK rail link and the cross harbor freight tunnel. The Hudson Rail Yards negotiations have already been commented on by Spitzer but he would like to make some changes to the deal’s proceedings.

Let the Tunneling Begin

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Underground construction will begin within a couple months after the MTA awarded a $430 million contract to do the necessary tunneling work on Manhattan's East Side.

Dangerously Deep

Thursday, June 15, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

Five different riders' groups - the Straphangers Campaign, the Empire State Passengers Association, the Institute for Rational Urban Mobility in New York, the New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers and the Lackawanna Coalition in New Jersey - sent a letter to NYC officials citing concerns that plans for railways and a commuter terminal are dangerous because they are so deep underground.

Emergency Plan OK'd for Grand Central LIRR Tunnel

Saturday, May 13, 2006 | WNYC | Topic: Transportation

Officials from the MTA and Fire Department have reached an agreement on providing increased access for firefighters to the new Long Island Railroad Tunnel deep beneath midtown Manhattan.

From East Bronx to Penn Station via Metro North?

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Discussions are underway for a possible Metro North connection from the East Bronx to Penn Station, spurred by the MTA's approval of a Metro North stop at the new Yankee Stadium and the shifting of some LIRR trains to Grand Central.

New York's Subway System Starting Its Expansion

Monday, May 01, 2006 | Other | Topic: Transportation

A summary and update of the major MTA transportation projects in New York City. From subway line expansions, new subway lines, and station upgrades, the MTA has lots to accomplish and lots of funding to secure.

Finding Space For New New Yorkers

Monday, April 17, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: General

Since 1990, New York has absorbed an additional 800,000 residents since 1990 and needs to find ways of accommodating them. A number of large transportation projects, rezonings in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg area, and development in Flushing are all expected to help the city adapt to its new residents.

Will East Side Acess Be The Next Big Dig?

Monday, March 27, 2006 | Westport Now | Topic: Transportation

The Big Dig was meant to be a seven-year, $2.5 billion dollar project which morphed into a 10-year, $14.6 billion nightmare. The East Side Access is estimated to cost $8billion and is expected to be finished in 2012, but there are fears that the cost and time to completion could increase dramatically.

LIRR Link To Grand Central: $8 Billion Price Tag With As Many Questions

Monday, March 20, 2006 | WNYC | Topic: Economic Development

With the federal government on the verge of funding a LIRR link to Grand Central, which would involve the construction of a new train station 14 stories below ground, questions about the merits and plans of the project have been flooding in from all angles.

MTA Stays Firm On Planned Transit Hub

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 | WNYC | Topic: Transportation

The MTA continues to defend its plan to build a transit hub fifteen stories below midtown that would connect the Long Island Rail Road to the Grand Central Terminal.

Federal Money Committed for Local Transit Projects

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Politics & Government

The Federal Budget was released on Tuesday and the East Side Access project as well as the 2nd Avenue Subway project received a boost.

LIRR, Amtrak on same track with commuter rail link

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

An agreement reached recently by the Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak has pushed the long-awaited commuter rail link to Grand Central closer to reality, railroad officials said Tuesday.

Slow Process and Rising Costs

Monday, January 16, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Politics & Government

The MTA has not revised the cost of building the East Side Access project since 2003. Digging was delayed after Pataki failed to provide the necessary funding but rising costs continue as the project is scheduled to begin this spring.

The official start of the East Side Access project

Friday, January 13, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

Crews will start blasting and tunneling this spring. MTA is seeking bids for the $6 billion project.

Congress Close to Committing More Funds to East Side Access

Saturday, November 19, 2005 | Downtown Express | Topic: Transportation

The House has approved $340 million for East Side Access. If the Senate agrees, the funding, in addition to the $450 million secured through the Bond Act and $600 million already approved by Congress, will move the MTA closer to complete funding for the $6 billion project.

Bond Act Projects Now Awaiting Federal Funds

Wednesday, November 09, 2005 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

After New York voters gave the Bond Act the go ahead, MTA projects like the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access are waiting on federal matching funds.

Interest Groups Square Off Over Bond Act

Thursday, November 03, 2005 | Columbia Daily Spectator | Topic: Transportation

Representatives from the Straphangers Campaign and the Broadway Democrats support the Bond Act for its infrastructure improvements, while a spokesman from the Citizen's Budget Committee opposes its excessive borrowing.

Queens Legislators Say East Side Access Crucial for Development

Monday, October 31, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Queens legislators expressed their support of the Bond Act for its inclusion of funding for East Side Access, which would connect Grand Central to the LIRR, which in turn would spur continued development in Queens.

Bond Act Could Face a Close Vote

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The $2.9 billion Bond Act may face stiff resistance from voters concerned with the state's financial straits, jeopardizing its future in spite of near unanimous political support. A similar bill was defeated in 2000.

Officials Discuss use of Possible Bond Act Funds

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 | Other | Topic: Transportation

Transit officers and experts met to discuss the allocation of expected Bond Act funds to the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access project. By providing LIRR access to Grand Central, East Side Access is expected to improve the functioning of the line, Penn Station, and the commuter system generally.

Mayor Endorses Bond Act

Tuesday, October 18, 2005 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Mayor Bloomberg has officially endorsed the Bond Act for the funds it will bring to NYC transportation projects.

Bond Act Supported as a Needed Investment in Infrastructure

Monday, October 17, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Transportation

The Bond Act is supported as necessary for meeting the five year needs of the New York City and State transportation systems, and as an excellent opportunity to capture federal funds.

Bond Act Condemned As Too Expensive and Too Burdensome for New Yorkers

Monday, October 17, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Transportation

The Bond Act is criticized as containing too many unnecessary projects, such as the Second Avenue subway, providing for too much borrowing at the state level, and imposing too much tax burden on New York City for projects there and elsewhere in the state.

Bond Act Advocated As Necessary In Face of New Transportation Needs

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Transportation

The projects funded by the proposed Bond Act, such as East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway, are advocated as a needed responses to crowded roads, rising gas prices, and neglected infrastructure.

Liberals and Conservatives Back Bond Act, Polls Indicate Popular Support

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Governor George Pataki, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Leader Joe Bruno and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer support the passing of the Bond Act, which would allow the state to borrow funds for transporation projects. Polls place public approval at 56%

Poll indicates bond act is supported by a majority of New Yorkers

Thursday, October 06, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

A new poll reveals that 56% of New York voters support the borrowing of $2.9 billion for transportation projects.

MTA Campaigns for Bond Act, Seeks Funds for Transportation Projects

Tuesday, September 13, 2005 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

The MTA is gearing up to push for passage of the Bond Act, which will provide $450 million in funding for both the proposed Second Avenue Subway and the planned East Side Access.

The state budget's $38.5 billion transportation program

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Finance

Bruce Schaller breaks down the state's $38.5 billion transportation budget. He's pleased that the budget funds the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access and keeps the transit system in working order. He's worried about 2010, though, when capital financing for the megraprojects runs out. And he's concerned that the budget accelerates MTA's debt burden.

For MTA, the search for savings has a price

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is spending money to save money. Buried amid hundreds of documents distributed during a series of meetings was an unusual contract: a three-month, $832,283 award to a consulting firm to help the authority become more efficient.

Empire State Transportation Alliance calls for more city/state MTA funding

Wednesday, February 09, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Finance

President Bush's proposed budget would give the MTA more than $400 million for two major Manhattan projects, but critics said the state and city must ante up, too.

New Jersey Transit Is set to urge a new river tunnel

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

Two days after President Bush threw his financial support behind the East Side Access plan, New Jersey officials are to make a pitch today for a different rail tunnel, this one under the Hudson River.

US backs Second Ave. Subway and East Side Access plans

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

Federal officials gave two long-planned transit projects - the Second Avenue subway and a Long Island Rail Road extension to Grand Central Terminal - an important endorsement yesterday, adding to pressure on Albany to come up with nearly $8 billion in state matching funds.

Federal budget boosts LIRR East Side Access project

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

The Long Island Rail Road's much anticipated East Side Access Project got "a real shot in the arm" when President George W. Bush proposed allocating $390 million for its construction in the 2006 federal budget.

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