Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), the highest ranking member from New York to serve on the Transportation Committee today hailed the passage of the 2008 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The bill, adopted late last night, includes $150,000 for the Hudson Guild Fulton Center, $200,000 for the Staten Island Passenger Rail Study and $200,000,000 for Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway Line. The spending measure must still be reconciled with the Senate before heading to the President for his signature.

"These worthy projects will help New York City keep on moving," said Rep. Nadler. "I am pleased that I can help provide for the transportation and urban development needs of my constituents."

The Hudson Guild Fulton Center is a centerpiece of the Chelsea community where extensive daytime programming is offered to senior citizens and a wide variety of programs and group meetings take place every evening. These funds will allow for renovations to make the building fully accessible to people with disabilities, provide more meeting and activity space, increase the usage of outdoor areas and natural light, and upgrade the auditorium.

"The Fulton Center plays an important role in providing a community space for the residents of Chelsea," said Rep. Nadler. "These funds will help the Fulton Center continue to provide for the community."

The funds for the Staten Island Passenger Rail Study will be used by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to conduct an environmental impact study for the creation of a passenger rail line to and from Staten Island.

"We need to examine extending passenger rail service to Staten Island, and this study is one of the first steps," said Rep. Nadler. "Public transportation, especially in New York City, deserves our fullest support."

Rep. Nadler was joined by President Bush and Rep. Maloney in calling for the funding of the Second Avenue Subway Line. The MTA is planning to construct Phase 1, or a 2.3 mile segment, of a new 8.5 mile subway on Manhattan’s East Side from East Harlem to the Financial District. This line would connect with the existing Broadway Line at the 63rd Street station. Phase 1 alone is projected to carry 213,000 riders on the average weekday in 2030.

"The Second Avenue Subway Line would help relieve the already overburdened Lexington Avenue Line," Rep. Nadler added. "Our subway lines are the arteries that keep the heart of the city moving, and we must take steps to prevent them from clogging."