Federal officials have released nearly $200 million to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Hurricane Sandy recovery aid, the agency announced Wednesday.
Most of the $193 million allocated by Federal Transit Administration to the MTA will go toward New York City Transit.
The money would be the first round of funding to help the MTA rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, which caused extensive damage in the five boroughs in October.
“These federal dollars will help cover the costs of pre-storm preparations and initial recovery work that made it possible for the MTA to restore service as quickly as possible after the storm,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The FTA’s quick action will help rebuild our battered transit infrastructure and restore full service for the millions of commuters who rely on the MTA every day.”
New York City Transit will receive a total $141.6 million, which will cover costs associated with pre-storm preparation of the city’s subway and bus system as well as go toward repairing and replacing equipment and facilities that were damaged.
The Long Island Rail Road will receive $20.9 million to cover costs of preparing for and cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy, while Metro-North Railroad will get $14.9 million.
A total $17.9 will go toward repairing the A line in the Rockaways.
Additional funding for storm preparation costs, including placing sandbags and covering vents, is also earmarked in the funding.
