Empire State Review Team 
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that New York State will allocate $10 billion to major transit infrastructure projects across the city, including the long-awaited extension of the Second Avenue Subway to Harlem and upgrades to Penn Station. The funding, part of the state’s 2025 budget, was approved by the legislature after months of negotiations.
The Second Avenue Subway extension, which has been in planning for decades, will add three new stations in East Harlem, providing critical relief to one of the city’s most underserved transit areas. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and improve access to affordable housing and economic opportunities in the neighborhood.
“This is a transformative moment for transit in New York City,” Governor Hochul said at the announcement event. “These projects will make our city more connected, equitable, and resilient.”
Penn Station upgrades will focus on modernizing the aging transit hub, improving accessibility, and expanding capacity to accommodate growing ridership. The state also plans to fund repairs to the East River Tunnels, which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Sandy.
Transit advocates welcomed the funding but urged the state to ensure accountability and transparency in managing the massive projects. “We need to make sure every dollar is spent wisely and efficiently,” said Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA.
Construction on the Second Avenue Subway extension is slated to begin in early 2025, with completion targeted for 2030. Penn Station upgrades will roll out in phases over the next six years.
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