March 16, 2021

A BETTER WAY TO LGA ON THE FAA’S FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (FEIS)  

“New Yorkers know a good thing when they see it. So, it should come as no surprise that more than 75 percent of the 4,200 people who sent the FAA comments about the proposed AirTrain LGA project supported the rail link moving forward. A Better Way to LGA, a diverse coalition of local business leaders, economic development groups, transportation advocates, community members, labor unions, and civic stakeholders has long welcomed this project for the same reasons our neighbors do: AirTrain LGA benefits commuters and communities.

The economic and environmental advantages of a quicker ride to the airport and fewer cars on the road are clear. This project will create 3,000 construction jobs, $500 million in contracting opportunities for MWBEs, and target local residents for new, permanent AirTrain operations and maintenance jobs. Additionally, it will offer opportunities to contract with local Queens businesses, invest $50 million in the Flushing Bay Promenade and other nearby parks, create workforce development and youth STEM programs.

We asked leaders at the Port Authority to listen to the recommendations shared by our fellow New Yorkers, and they did. Many of those community benefits that we asked for are reflected in the Port Authority’s public fact sheet below, including a plan to offer compensation to property owners with significantly impacted views when AirTrain LGA is complete.

This week’s release of the FEIS marks another step toward bringing this critical transportation option to the New York and we commend the FAA for conducting this public process thoroughly and transparently. We encourage the FAA to listen to the voice of the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who commented on this project and approve AirTrain LGA next month.”

Co-Chairs of A Better Way to LGA

Tom Grech, Queens Chamber of Commerce 

Laura Colacurcio, Association for a Better New York

Chris Boylan, General Contractors Association of New York

Carlo Scissura, New York Building Congress