Federal Review Halts $300M in Second Avenue Subway Funding Amidst Political Backlash
The federal government has initiated a review of the Second Avenue Subway project's adherence to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program rules. This move has sparked criticism from local politicians, who accuse the administration of political retaliation. The review has led to a halt in project reimbursements, including a significant $300 million disbursement.
Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway project aims to extend the Q train service from 96th Street to 125th Street, and then west on 125th Street to Park Avenue. The project includes a direct connection with the existing 125th Street station on the Lexington Avenue subway line and an entrance at Park Avenue for transfers to the Metro-North Railroad. Recently, the MTA board voted to approve a tunneling contract for extending the subway into East Harlem.
Critics, including US Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs, have slammed the administration's decision to suspend funding as political payback. Gov. Hochul echoed these sentiments, describing the move as an attack on New York residents. Former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito attributed the funding halt to hostility towards New York's diversity. This comes amidst a broader trend, with the Trump administration withholding nearly $18 billion in federal funding for New York City transit projects.
The funding freeze will stall long-promised subway access for East Harlem, impacting the local community and commuters. Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Andy Byford, CEO of the MTA, released a joint statement announcing the payment interruption for the Second Avenue Subway project. The future of the project now hangs in the balance, pending the outcome of the federal review.
