Governor Kathy Hochul on July 30th, announced that New York State will provide $54 million in state resources to support the Second Avenue Subway expansion project that would extend the Second Avenue line to 125th Street in East Harlem. The capital funding provided to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will be earmarked towards the utility relocation contract (“Contract 1”) for Phase 2 of the expansion project, which will deliver subway service to residents of East Harlem, one of the most transit-dependent neighborhoods in New York City. With this funding support identified by Governor Hochul from the State, the MTA can immediately proceed with the work to relocate utility lines along Second Avenue and nearby streets, putting the project in position to advance as scheduled while broader funding issues are resolved. This action will not impact MTA Capital Program State of Good Repair projects that are prioritized or currently underway.

“I have been committed to the Second Avenue Subway since the day I took office, and we will deliver this project for the people of East Harlem and the millions of riders who will use it every day," Governor Hochul said. “When I announced the pause on implementing congestion pricing, I directed my team to think creatively about how to keep these generational investments moving forward. Now, we are committing the funds needed to continue the utility relocation contract, the first step to building this transformational project to meet the needs of everyday New Yorkers.”

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “We are grateful the Governor was able to identify new funds to advance the utility relocation project along Second Avenue without impacting funding available for State of Good Repair investments. Advancing that utility work now – while congestion pricing is on pause – puts MTA in a position to keep the overall Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project on schedule while Albany resolves how to fund the $15 billion outstanding for the MTA’s 2020-24 Capital Program.”

Second Avenue Subway Phase 2
The second phase of the project will extend Q train service from 96th Street north on Second Avenue to 125th Street and then west on 125th Street to Park Avenue, approximately 1.5 miles in total. There will be three new stations at 106th Street, 116th Street and 125th Street, and a direct passenger connection with the existing 125th Street subway station on the Lexington Avenue subway line. Phase 2 will also feature an entrance at Park Avenue to allow convenient transfers to the Metro-North Railroad 125th Street Station.

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “Second Avenue Subway Phase II is the most impactful transit equity project in the nation, and it will have a tremendous positive impact on the residents of East Harlem and all New Yorkers. I am appreciative of Governor Hochul for furthering her commitment to Second Avenue Subway by allocating more than $50 million in state funding to ensure this critical support for the project continues. We have made significant progress to date and the benefits this expansion will have, once completed, will be transformative in my district and across New York City—connecting East Harlem to the rest of the world.”

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “I am thankful that the Governor responded to the critical concerns of the community which others and I expressed after she paused Congestion Pricing. I am pleased that this part of the project will be moving forward, as it is a push towards badly needed transportation equity in East Harlem. I am looking forward to finding ways for the completion of other important projects slated to be funded by revenue raised by Congestion Pricing, like increased accessibility, and long overdue repairs to other stations in my district."

Assemblymember Inez Dickens said, “I applaud Governor Hochul's outstanding leadership in securing $53 million in state funding to advance the critical utility relocation work necessary for the Second Avenue Subway expansion. This funding is a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of public transit for the residents of East Harlem, a community that stands to benefit greatly from improved subway services. The Second Avenue Subway project is not just an infrastructure upgrade—it is a commitment to equity, ensuring that our most transit-dependent neighborhoods like El Barrio-East Harlem and our village of Harlem are not left behind. I am remain committed to working with Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the legislature and our communities to see this project through to fruition, providing our City and our State with the quality transportation services it deserves.”

Councilmember Yussef Salam said, “As the Council Member of District 9, I am thrilled to see this significant investment in the Second Avenue Subway project, which will bring much-needed transit improvements to our community. This funding only demonstrates real commitment to advancing critical infrastructure, but also ensure that the resident of my community in Harlem, one of the most transit– dependent neighborhoods in New York City, will have better access to reliable and efficient transportation. I look forward to seeing this project, move forward and I think Governor Hochul and the MTA for their dedication to our communities’ future.”

Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala said, "The subway has played an integral role in the lives of New Yorkers, from children rushing to school, people making their way to work, mothers and fathers running their mid-day errands, the owners of corner deli stores getting ready to start an early day.I am grateful that capital investments of the 2nd Avenue Subway will see the second phase and expand to serve my district in East Harlem/El Barrio, making the daily commute less stressful and less time consuming for thousands of New Yorkers who are just trying to go about their daily lives. We look forward to seeing the completion of Phase II and we thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of having easier access to our subways.”