Schumer Announces $1.4 Million in Federal Funds for Transportation & Housing Study in Rockaway

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will receive $1.4 million in federal funding to support a transportation and housing study in Rockaway. In April, Schumer wrote a letter of to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting this project through the federal DOT's TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant program, which provides funding for road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives.

The neighborhoods of Rockaway were among the hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to significant flooding of the area, service on the "A" train was suspended for six months due to damage from the storm, leaving residents stranded with limited access to jobs, education, and services. This study aims to provide a framework for improving the resiliency of the transportation network, reducing traffic problems and improving quality of life for residents Rockaway.

"Superstorm Sandy highlighted a major flaw in our transportation network, including the long suspension of service along the "A" train in Rockaway. This federal TIGER funding will help address limited transportation options, make recommendations on better housing, and provide much-needed support to local businesses in Rockaway still recovering from Superstorm Sandy," said Schumer. "I am pleased to announce this $1.4 million in funding which will allow experts to work with community leaders to make detailed recommendations on transportation improvements and also improving affordable housing in Rockaway."

"Our lack of transportation continues to plague every Rockaway family and I commend Senator Schumer for his tireless advocacy. Sandy demonstrated what Rockaway residents have known for too long and I am hopeful that the city will utilize this funding to provide real transit options like permanent ferry service, rebuilding the Rockaway Beach Rail Line and improving A-train service for our families," said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.

This study was a primary recommendation by New York Rising, New York State's community planning effort in neighborhoods heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The coordination by NYCDOT and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development will address transportation options created by planned new housing development, and will identify ways to improve street safety, pedestrian and transit mobility, and the urban environment -- helping Rockaway's continued revival as a beach destination and bringing much-needed support to local businesses still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

The TIGER Discretionary Grant program provides an opportunity for DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. In each round of TIGER, DOT receives many applications to build and repair critical pieces of freight and passenger transportation networks.

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