NEWS |
126-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , September 16, 1998
Governor George E. Pataki, joined by Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, Congressman Gregory Meeks and New York City and Port Authority officials, officially broke ground for the project, which travelers have sought for decades. By 2002, Airtrain will speed travelers from one JFK terminal to another, and tie the airport to the region's unparalleled mass transit network.
"We are writing an important new chapter in New York history," said Governor Pataki. "Airtrain will link the greatest city in the world to an international gateway that is pulsing with the energy of a $7 billion renaissance. For decades, plans to provide fast, reliable travel to JFK sat idle on the runway. Today we have takeoff."
Port Authority Chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg said, "Without drawing on a penny of state or local tax dollars, the Port Authority is building a marvel of convenience, speed and dependability. The agency is adding a magnificent new link to the infrastructure that energizes one of the world's most vibrant economies. New York City will be a winner. So will more than 32 million passengers a year who choose the extraordinary variety of destinations offered by the nation's busiest international airport."
Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "Airtrain will keep New York City's $15-billion-a-year tourism industry soaring, and make world capitals even more accessible to business people in and around New York City. During construction, the project will involve 4,150 construction jobs, $580 million in wages and $980 million in construction-related sales. And it will stimulate the economy of Queens still more by making downtown Jamaica a hub of transportation and international trade."
At Jamaica, Airtrain will, when final approval is received, link the airport with the Long Island Rail Road and with subway and bus lines. Port Authority Executive Director Robert E. Boyle said, "Airtrain will put JFK within 8 minutes of Jamaica. Travelers can reach Manhattan in less than 45 minutes - regardless of time of day, weather or traffic. No longer will travelers have to allow two hours or more because of uncertain road conditions. And a complete loop around JFK's terminals will take about eight minutes, instead of the 20 now required - or the 45 minutes sometimes experienced. The convenience of Airtrain will also take cars off the road, easing congestion and pollution in Queens."
The start of construction on Airtrain comes as JFK celebrates its 50th birthday. The Port Authority and JFK's airlines are investing more than $7 billion in new or improved terminals, roadways and other facilities across the airport.
In addition to State, City and Borough support, Airtrain has been endorsed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Regional Plan Association, the Association for a Better New York, the Straphangers Campaign, the New York Building Congress, the General Contractors Association, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, the Long Island Association, and a large number of other elected officials, transportation advocates and community groups.
After reviewing bids from five prestigious development teams, the Port Authority awarded the light-rail contract to a team composed of Skanska (U.S.A.), Bombardier Transit Corporation and Perini Corporation.
"On behalf of the AirRail Transit Consortium, I am pleased to participate in this important milestone and to be a member of the team that will make this long-awaited rail link a reality," said Stuart E. Graham, President of Skanska (U.S.A.), Inc., the lead member of the AirRail Transit Consortium.
Executive Director Boyle said construction will be financed by federally approved passenger facility charges (PFCs) and Port Authority capital funds.
The light-rail line includes the following elements:
-> a 2-mile loop around JFK's terminals, linking nine passenger terminals. This segment will be operational in 2002. ->
-> a 3.3-mile extension from the Central Terminal Area to the Howard Beach subway station, rental car areas and long-term and employee parking. Travelers can connect to the MTA's A train and subway lines serving Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. The Howard Beach segment will also be operational in 2002.
-> a 3.1-mile extension north to Jamaica station, where passengers can connect to the Long Island Rail Road, the MTA New York City Transit E, J and Z subway lines and buses on dozens of local bus lines. The Jamaica segment will be completed in 2003.
end