MOYNIHAN STATION GOES PHASE 1: NEXT STOP?

Yesterday, Governor David A. Paterson 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.

The following statements were provided in support of the approval for the first phase of the Moynihan Station Project:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: "I commend the Governor for moving the Moynihan Station project forward from the planning stages to the first phase of improvements. This critical work will reduce station congestion, save commuting times for passengers, and create jobs for our City. New York needs more Federal funding to help support long-term rail improvements and provide economic benefits to our communities. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that New York receives its fair share and we are putting taxpayers dollars to use, creating good-paying jobs right here at home."

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: "Today's momentum for Moynihan Station's first phase is the culmination of years of work and planning by State and Federal elected officials and agencies. This project, for which I have supported funding in Washington, will produce just the sort of infrastructure improvement and economic development that New York needs. In addition to generating thousands of good jobs, Moynihan Station will expand our capacity for passengers and make New York - and, especially, the West Side - more accessible to commuters and visitors."

Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said: "The all around benefits of the Moynihan Station transformation are enormous," "This project means not only that New York will be the hub of another great rail system, but also that trains will grow as a leading mode of cost-effective and environmentally responsible transportation. I congratulate the Governor on moving forward, and applaud all of the people who have brought this project to life for their hard work." Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: "I am pleased that this project, which I have worked on for years, is finally moving forward. The new Moynihan station, named in memory of the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, will help increase accessibility for New York State residents who rely on the rail network as a means of transportation. Hundreds of thousands of commuters and city residents will benefit from its completion."

Senator Martin Malave Dilan said: "I am pleased the PACB has taken the steps necessary to move the Moynihan Station Project forward. This marks the beginning of an exciting project that will change the way travelers move in and out of New York City by transforming the Farley Post Office into a world class rail hub. The approval of this project also marks the creation of thousands of much needed construction jobs that will help guide us along the road of economic recovery. I want to thank Governor Paterson, our Congressional Delegation, as well as ESDC for their diligence in ensuring the late Senator Moynihan's dream can finally become a reality."

Senator Thomas K. Duane said: "I have strongly supported Moynihan Station since the original 1999 proposal and I have fought for various promising plans during the ensuing decade. I am pleased that the PACB has approved this proposal, which will enable this exciting new transit hub to officially move one step closer to completion."

Assemblyman David Gantt said: "As Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, one of my top priorities has been improving transportation infrastructure in New York State. The completion of this project will allow more commuters access to rail networks. I look forward to exploring further ways to improve road and rail networks throughout the State as well as urban transportation."

Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried said: "Turning the old Farley Post Office into a train station worthy of entering the City of New York is long overdue. It is important that MSDC and the Port Authority have said they will work with preservation advocates to make sure that the alterations to be done will respect the integrity of the building."

New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said: "I am pleased that the Moynihan Station project has gained this much needed support and can continue to move forward. The Moynihan Station project is vital to improving the most used train station in the region and will now bolster our connections between regional and local transportation modes. This station is the gateway to transforming the West Side of Manhattan into a new neighborhood that has been far too long starved from transit options."