Thursday, September 30, 2021

MTA Metro-North Penn Station Access - Finding of No Significant Impact

 

Faster Commutes. Expanded Service. Regional Connections.

Direct Metro-North service from the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut to Penn Station and Manhattan’s thriving west side is one step closer to reality. With four new ADA-accessible passenger rail stations in the East Bronx and significant improvements to railroad infrastructure, Penn Station Access will support economic development and attract regional talent by increasing accessibility to underserved areas, cutting current commute times, and introducing reverse commuting opportunities. It will bring Amtrak's Hell Gate Line into a state of good repair and improve reliability and on-time performance for intercity passengers. By improving reliability for our riders and expanding transit options, we are transforming our regional transportation system.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has completed its review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Section 4(f) Evaluation, dated May 2021, for the Penn Station Access Project. Based on the review of the EA and responses to agency and public comments received, the FTA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on September 24, 2021, concluding the FTA environmental review process for the project. The FONSI was issued in accordance with the FTA and Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (23 CFR Part 771) and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1500).

 

MTA has published a summary of comments and responses on the EA and Section 4(f) Evaluation received during the public comment period. To read the FONSI and response-to-comments document, and learn more about the Penn Station Access Project, visit www.pennstationaccess.info.

 

Procurement is underway to award a design-build contract to construct this project, which will add four new accessible passenger rail stations in the East Bronx with direct Metro-North service to Penn Station, Westchester, and Connecticut.

 

Sincerely,

The Penn Station Access Project Team

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