New York Approves First Phase Of Moynihan Station Project
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) approved the first phase of improvements that will transform the Farley Federal Post Office Building in Manhattan into the new Moynihan Station, a grand rail gateway into New York City.
“I am pleased that after years of planning, negotiations and community outreach, our State will be able to embark upon phase one of the Moynihan Station project,” Governor Paterson said. “This investment will create thousands of jobs for our construction workers while achieving the vision of the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. I would like to thank our State Congressional Delegation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York State Department of Transportation, Empire State Development, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for their tireless efforts on this initiative. This is a tremendous step forward for New York.”
Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The best way to get New York’s economy moving again is to build big, bold and often, and the best project to get things started is Moynihan Station. I am pleased that Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Sampson via the Public Authorities Control Board approved the first phase of improvements, and with the $83 million in funding I was able to secure earlier this year, we are well poised to begin the first phase of this project and create a new engine of economic activity for New York City and a glorious, thriving gateway that this city needs and deserves.”
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: “The underground maze that is Penn Station should be re-configured and re-imagined into a world-class gateway to New York City, and the progress on the first phase of transformation and on realizing Senator Moynihan’s vision is a very good development. We look forward to working with the Governor on these improvements and are eager to help pursue a future transformation of the entire complex that will add needed transportation capacity.”
Under the Governor’s leadership, the Moynihan Station project has finally moved from planning into implementation. The “Farley First” phased-development approach advocated by the Governor has been lauded for reviving this critical project and bringing back Amtrak as a central partner its development.
Phase 1 is being partly funded by an $83 million Federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the US Department of Transportation, which was funded out of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Planning is well underway for Phase 2, which will include the construction of the intercity train hall.
Phase 1 will include the expansion and enhancement of the 33rd Street Connector between Penn Station and the West End Concourse, which lies under the grand staircase of the Farley building; the extension and widening of the West End Concourse to serve nine of Pennsylvania Station’s eleven platforms; new vertical access points and passenger circulation space; and entrances into the West End Concourse through the 31st and 33rd Street corners of the Farley building.
These improvements are expected to begin by in October of 2010 and be completed in 2016. The budget for Phase 1 is $267 million and is being jointly funded by the State and Federal governments.
Empire State Development Chairman & CEO Dennis M. Mullen said: “Under the Governor’s leadership, the Moynihan Station project has finally moved from planning into implementation.
Recent milestones include a Memorandum of Understanding with Amtrak; the awarding of an $83 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation – the final component of financing for the first phase of the project; and the signing of a design contract with Skidmore Owings and Merrill, LLP.
We have made significant progress and for that, I would like to thank Robin Stout, who provided strong leadership and direction for the redevelopment of Moynihan Station. Now, with the guidance of Timothy Gilchrist, who has overseen the State’s most important economic development and transportation projects including Moynihan, I am confident that we will continue to move forward and achieve the vision of the late, and great, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.”
Moynihan Station Development Corporation President Timothy J. Gilchrist said: “Today’s announcement means that after two decades of planning, we are finally able to move forward with the development of Moynihan Station. We refocused the plan for this critical project to include increased train and passenger capacity at Penn Station, as well as to ensure the safety and security of all Penn Station passengers. Today’s news is good news for our construction workers, the State and the thousands of passengers that crowd Penn Station on a daily basis. I would like to thank the Governor, for supporting a phased approach to completing this critical infrastructure project. I would also like to thank Robin Stout, who helped usher the public approval process forward, concluding our design and documentation so that Phase 1 construction can begin as soon as possible. I look forward to implementing the first phase of this project in the coming months.”
The additional vertical access points and passenger circulation space provided by Phase 1 will significantly reduce the overcrowded conditions at Penn Station for the 600,000 passengers that use the station on a daily basis.
Another important component of Phase 1 is the construction of critically needed additional platform ventilation units, which will enhance safety and security for all Penn Station passengers.
The PACB is composed of five members who are appointed by the Governor to serve one-year terms, with one member representing the Governor and acting as the Chairperson.
The Governor appoints the four remaining members based upon the recommendations of the Majority and Minority leaders of the Legislature.
Statewide public authorities must receive a resolution of approval from PACB prior to entering into any project-related financings.
Topics: 2010, business, construction, economic development, economic growth, Economy, employment, Farley Federal Post Office, Governance, government, Governor David A. Paterson, infrastructure, intercity train hall, investment, jobs, Manhattan, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, moniter, monitor, Moynihan Station, New York, New York City, news, PACB, Penn Station, Phase 1, Port Authority of New Jersey, Port Authority of New York, Public Authorities Control Board, rail gateway, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, TIGER, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant, U.S., United States
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