Relief is finally on the horizon for tens of thousands of New Yorkers living in a transit desert, as construction is set to commence for the long-awaited Second Avenue subway line extension in East Harlem. The plan involves extending the Q line from 96th Street into East Harlem and across 125th Street to connect with Metro North and the 4, 5, and 6 lines, providing improved access to public transportation for residents in the area.

In a significant development, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and Representative Adriano Espaillat joined forces with United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in East Harlem on Saturday to formally announce the next steps in completing the second phase of the Second Avenue subway project. During the press conference, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of addressing transportation equity and racial equity, stating, "Today, we begin to right the wrongs of the past. It matters to me. It matters to your elected officials. And that's why we're so committed to this project."

The progress of the SAS II project received a boost last week when Representative Espaillat and Senate Majority Leader Schumer announced a full funding grant agreement of $3.4 billion from the Federal Transit Administration. On Saturday, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration officially signed the $3.4 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement. This federal funding will enable the long-awaited subway extension and ensure that subway access becomes a reality for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the significance of the Second Avenue subway extension, saying, "The extension of the Second Avenue Subway will make it possible for thousands of New Yorkers to get to work and school, access healthy groceries and health care, and see their loved ones—all while easing congestion on other subway lines and reducing carbon pollution."

The 1.8-mile extension of the Q line to 125th Street along the east side of Manhattan is expected to improve reliability and mobility while relieving overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue Line, which serves approximately 200,000 daily riders. The project, with a total cost of $7.7 billion, marks the second of four planned phases to extend the Second Avenue Subway and enhance the region's public transportation network.

Senator Schumer expressed his satisfaction with the funding progress, stating, "Thanks to the investments we made in our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Second Avenue Subway has now received the largest Capital Investment Grant in the history of the CIG program. It's becoming real: real in terms of jobs and real in terms of better transportation."

With construction now underway, the completion of the Second Avenue subway extension brings hope to residents of East Harlem and surrounding areas. The project signifies a significant milestone in addressing transit deserts, enhancing transportation equity, and improving access to essential services for communities that have long been overlooked.

Title: "Construction Begins on Second Avenue Subway Extension to East Harlem"