MTA On Track For Big Piece Of $1T Infrastructure Bill

NEW YORK CITY — A massive, $1 trillion infrastructure bill could prove a windfall for the MTA and many long-awaited transit projects.

A bipartisan majority of senators Tuesday approved the package, which carries funds for rebuilding roads, broadband internet, water pipes and public works systems across the country.

It also contains — although this could change as the House tweaks the bill — $10.7 billion devoted to the MTA, as well as funds for other transit projects such the Second Ave Subway and East River Tunnels and more, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office.

“Today, we proved that democracy can still work,” President Joe Biden declared at the White House, noting that the 69-30 vote included even Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

“We can still come together to do big things, important things, for the American people,” Biden said.

The infrastructure measure acts as a prelude of sorts to a $3.5 trillion bill that funds child care, elder care and other programs. That bill is only expected to draw Democratic support.

But as it stands, the infrastructure measure's broad bipartisan support help significantly reshape the New York City region's transit infrastructure.

Renae Reynolds, executive director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, gave the bill a glowing review.

“The deal is expected to help move forward many long-stalled projects, such as the Second Avenue Subway, the Hudson River Tunnel, and the Portal Bridge replacement," she said in a statement. "It also includes $73 billion to update the nation’s electric grid, so it can carry more renewable energy, $7.5 billion to construct electric vehicle charging stations, and $17.5 billion for clean buses and ferries."

The House is expected to hold off voting on the bill until the $3.5 trillion package moves through the Senate, where its passage is uncertain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.