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4 The QUEE NS Courier • MARCH 31, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Port Authority signs off on $4 billion LGA overhaul BY ANGELA MATUA amatua@qns.com @AngelaMatua Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on March 24 that the $4 billion overhaul of LaGuardia Airport is one step closer to becoming a reality. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved a lease with LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the group who will spearhead the building and operation of a new state-ofthe art Terminal B, with a central hall and concourse and an air train station. Two-thirds of the project is financed by private funds and existing passenger fees. According to a press release, the construction will begin shortly; a significant portion of the airport will be completed and opened 39 months after construction starts. “This vote marks a critical step forward in our effort to overhaul LaGuardia Airport,” Cuomo said. “Our plan will fundamentally transform LaGuardia – replacing what is now an outdated and poorly designed complex with the world-class airport New York has always deserved. This represents a major milestone for the project – the first of many – and I look forward to seeing construction begin later this year.” The renovations will create a single main terminal and plans call for a complete The $4 billion overhaul of LaGuardia Airport was approved by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. rebuild of Terminal B. LaGuardia Gateway Partners will construct a central hall to connect Terminal B and C and a main concourse in addition to new roads, utilities, runway improvements, a new west parking garage and other supporting infrastructure. The terminal will be moved 600 feet closer to Grand Central Parkway to increase airport taxiways and reduce airport ground delays. The governor’s office estimates that the reconstruction will generate $1.3 billion in wages and $5.2 billion in regional economic activity. The total cost of the overhaul has been disputed in the last several days, with John Degnan, the New Jerseyappointed chairman of the Port Authority, saying the $1.3 billion spent on the airport in 2004 should be added to the total. Scott Rechler, the New York-appointed vice chairman of the Port Authority, argued at a recent meeting that the projects completed in 2004 would have been built without this terminal project, Crain’s reported. “Modernizing our aging airport terminals demonstrates the Port Authority’s commitment to focusing on the Photo courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office region’s transportation infrastructure,” Rechler said in a statement. “To achieve operating efficiencies, offer our customers the best in world-class service and meet the anticipated rise in passenger demand, it is imperative that the agency continues to make these investments in our airports.” The airport will remain open and functional during the construction phase. Queens Library seeks more city cash to rebuild branches BY ALAN BURTON editorial@qns.com/@QNS The Queens Borough Public Library got a boost in funds last year, but it’s still short of the funding levels the library had a decade ago. New Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott, along with his colleagues in the Brooklyn and New York Public Libraries, hope to change that. They came together on the steps of City Hall on March 24 to call on city leaders to allocate funding for the city’s libraries matching 2008 Fiscal Year levels. The alliance’s main also released a new report “Still Overdue: New Yorkers Need More Funding for Libraries,” which outlines how continued investment in public libraries could considerably raise the quality of life for city residents. The release of the report coincided with the launch of a new campaign by the group, Keep Investing in Libraries, a sequel to last year’s successful Invest in Libraries Campaign. The report details how the public was greatly benefited by last year’s $43 million increase in city operating funds, but also shows how many libraries are still not quite running at peak condition. Deterioration, according to the report, is the lingering effect of $65 million in library budget cuts dating back to 2008. Following the rally at City Hall, the library presidents testified at the Preliminary Budget Hearing to outline their requests for additional funds on top of the $43 million boost all three libraries received last year. This would allow libraries to increase staff and expand services. Mayor Bill de Blasio has already put a portion of the funds into his preliminary budget for 2017, and capital investment to address the over $250 million in urgent maintenance needs. “Public libraries are the best, most universally recognized places to support New yorkers in becoming educated, creative, and informed, regardless of their preferred language. Last year’s investment in libraries has resulted in measurable gains in library use; we must continue the momentum. By investing in NYC’s libraries, the mayor and the City Council will be taking another step towards realizing a fair and equal city for all,” Walcott said. The Keep Investing in Libraries Campaign is spearheaded by the city’s three library systems – Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Library, a partnership supported by DC37 and library advocates across the city. Last year’s successful funding campaign ensured citywide six-day service, additional Sunday hours, and more programming. Libraries also received $300 million in the 10-year capital budget, which has already been allocated to projects in the five boroughs. Those interested in the campaign can visit www.investinlibraries.org for additional details. The Flushing Library


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