The U.S. government has released $2 billion to support the reconstruction of New York’s public transport network.
The funds are the first installment of $10.9 billion pledged by the FTA to support the Super Storm Sandy cleanup.
Flooding of underground tunnels caused $5 billion of damage to MTA’s transport network, with $600 million alone needed to repair the recently-opened South Ferry subway station in Manhattan.
“At DOT, we continue doing all we can to help our state and local partners make their storm-damaged public transportation systems whole again,” said Transport Secretary Ray LaHood.
“The $2 billion we’re making available now will reimburse transit agencies for extraordinary expenses incurred to protect workers and equipment before and after the hurricane hit, and support urgently needed repairs to seriously damaged transit systems and facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere.”
