Meeks, Meng and Velázquez Announce More Than $117 Million in Federal Funds for QueensWay Project
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Grace Meng (NY-06) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) announced that $117,696,000 in federal funding has been allocated for the QueensWay project in Queens.
The federal funding was awarded through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The QueensWay project allows for the design and construction of the Forest Park Pass section of the development.
The full QueensWay project will be 3.5-mile, 47-acre linear park that transforms a stretch of abandoned railway to into green space, as well as a transportation corridor featuring pedestrian and bike-friendly paths that connect six neighborhoods from Forest Hills to Ozone Park. The project will provide safe alternative routes to twelve schools, seven subway lines, one commuter line (LIRR), along with local businesses.
“This federal funding is a major investment into the growth and success of Queens,” said Congressman Meeks. “Through this project we’re connecting neighborhoods and providing historically underserved communities with healthy green spaces and low-emitting transportation options for their daily commutes. I am confident that this development will bolster our local economy and allow our residents to enjoy the several benefits stemming from this project.”
“I am excited to help announce this crucial federal money for the QueensWay project, which I advocated for in helping to pass the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Congresswoman Meng. “QueensWay will provide more needed greenspace in our borough and ensure many benefits to the public including upgraded infrastructure, additional transportation options, and connecting neighborhoods. In communities like Queens, greenspace is limited and transportation projects, have historically disconnected diverse neighborhoods and discouraged walkability, and QueensWay stands to help change this. As New York’s Representative on the Regional Leadership Council, I look forward to continuing to help move this project forward.”
“Every New Yorker deserves equitable access to high-quality park space and transportation options. This $117 million in federal funding for QueensWay will help bring much-needed greenspace to these Queens communities, reconnect neighborhoods, and transform an abandoned railway into a state-of-the-art urban trail,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This investment was made possible by The Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to help pass in Congress, and I’m confident this project will have a positive impact on the health and wellness of many New Yorkers.”
The NAE Grant Program will provide up to $3.15 billion in federal funding to connect communities across the country. Grants awarded through the program fund projects that improve safety, walkability, and provide affordable, environmentally friendly transportation that supports neighborhood equity.
###