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3/17/2021
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its final environmental impact statement (FEIS) on the AirTrain LGA, the proposed rail link to the new LaGuardia Airport.
The FEIS reaffirmed the FAA's endorsement of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's (PANYNJ) proposed alignment as the preferred alternative based on the FAA's independent and comprehensive review of the project and all alternatives, port authority officials said in a press release.
The AirTrain project involves construction of a 2-mile elevated rail system with three stations: two on airport property and one off. The stations will connect with the MTA New York City Transit Subway 7 Line and MTA Long Island Rail Road Port Washington Branch at Mets-Willets Point. The proposal also calls for passenger walkways connecting to the LGA Central Hall, which provides access to terminals B and C, parking garages, public transportation and ground transportation facilities.
The FEIS represents a "very important step" in the authority's plan to provide millions of air travelers a reliable, 30-minute rail connection between the airport and midtown Manhattan, PANYNJ officials said.
"This sustainable rail link will also remove millions of vehicles from local highways and streets each year, reduce congestion on roads in local neighborhoods and reduce air pollution in the local community," they added.
The $2 billion project will create 3,000 construction jobs and $500 million in contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as contracting opportunities for local, Queens, New York-based businesses.
Additionally, in response to public comment and community recommendations, the project now includes more than $50 million in commitments to investments in the Flushing Bay Promenade and other local parks.