New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has included a $306 billion infrastructure proposal as part of his larger 2021 agenda. The infrastructure proposal is the largest in the state’s history and will include plans to transform Manhattan's Midtown West neighborhood, rebuild the state's airports and improve transportation infrastructure – including several transit focused initiatives.
"I sit in the office and live in the home occupied at one time by FDR. Part of Roosevelt's genius was that he understood that it was not the buildings and programs themselves that actually turned around the economy, it was the people," said Gov. Cuomo. "Building new projects enhances day-to-day life. Seeing progress lifts peoples' spirits. And building with bricks and mortar also builds public optimism and confidence."
He added, “Altogether, we are expanding our infrastructure plan to invest $306 billion in the future of New York. That's not just the largest infrastructure plan in New York history. It's the largest, most ambitious plan put forward by any state in the nation."
The governor’s plan calls for a $51-billion program to redevelop Midtown West in New York City to build new outdoor spaces and affordable housing, as well as improve public transit and pedestrian connections.
The transit aspects of the plan include the replacement of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Bus Terminal, which will replace an outdated facility with a new terminal. The governor says the project will reduce congestion, improve air quality and transform transit to and from the west side of Manhattan.