An optimistic timetable for the proposed LaGuardia Air Train could see construction begin by the middle of 2021.
The Federal Aviation Administration this week published the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the LaGuardia AirTrain, a controversial project proposed and championed by beleaguered Governor Andre Cuomo.
The political context and controversy surrounding the project is dripping from the description that starts off an article on the EIS by Eve Kessler for Streetsblog NYC:
Even as Andrew Cuomo struggles to retain his governorship over mounting allegations of sexual harassment and bullying, his favorite construction boondoggle — the “Wrong-Way” LaGuardia AirTrain — got a shot in the arm Monday as the troubled project attained a key milestone.
The proposed $2-billion, 1.5-mile automated people mover has found support in the pages of Crain's and the Daily News, as well as stinging criticism in the pages of the Post and Streetsblog NYC.
The publication of the EIS means that the project has settled on one potential alignment, moving on from the 47 potential alternatives considered in the planning process so far.
"After the FAA issues a 'Record of Decision' later this spring, AirTrain construction can move forward, 'completing the transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class gateway to New York,' per Port Authority literature. Initial utility work and foundations for the automated people mover guideway and stations will commence in June, the document says optimistically," reports Kessler.
The article includes a lot more detail about the hurdles the project has overcome to reach this point since its first announcement in early 2015, including a "$3 billion hole" blown in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $20 billion capital plan by the COVID-19 pandemic.
FULL STORY: Cuomo’s ‘Wrong Way AirTrain’ Boondoggle Moves Ahead
Panel Rejects LaGuardia AirTrain, Recommends Better Buses
The recommendations issued by a panel of experts concluded that bus improvements could serve travelers sooner and more cost-effectively than the proposed AirTrain rail line.
LaGuardia AirTrain, Pet Project of Ousted Governor, Paused by Successor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to rethink the plan for the $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain, a contentious plan championed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Opposition to LaGuardia AirTrain Plan Emerges After Cuomo Resigns
A highly criticized project has new critics among staffers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service