Gillibrand, Schumer Bring Home $33 Million To Strengthen Resiliency Of The 6 Train Line And Westchester Yard’s Infrastructure

Gillibrand, Schumer Bring Home $33 Million To Strengthen Resiliency Of The 6 Train Line And Westchester Yard's Infrastructure

Apr 11, 2024

Westchester Yard Contains 49 Trains That Are Operated By The MTA 6 Train Line

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are announcing $33.2 million in federal funding to strengthen the resiliency of the 6 train line by installing a complete stormwater drainage system at Westchester Yard in the Bronx where Pelham Bay 6 line subway trains are stored. The 6 train serves an estimated 500,000 people per weekday and is prone to ponding during heavy rains and flash flooding. Poor drainage at this major Bronx center can lead to train derailment and service delays for the heavily trafficked train line. Senator Gillibrand urged Secretary Buttigieg to support this funding for NYC's busiest train line through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program.

"The 6 line is critical to the fabric of New York City, which is why I am delivering more than $33 million in federal funding to make the line run smoothly through heavy rains and storming," said Senator Gillibrand. "Every New Yorker knows the 6 is a direct route to major job, medical, educational, and cultural hubs, and when the train is not running on time, it can derail the city's activity. During heavy rainfall, the 6 line's operating hub, Westchester Yard, is prone to flooding due to poor drainage, which increases the chances of train derailment and severely impacts transit services for thousands of commuters. This funding will support the installation of a complete stormwater drainage system at Westchester Yard to help keep the 6 line right on track."

"Millions of New Yorkers and visitors rely on the 6 line so it essential that we invest in infrastructure to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. I am proud to help deliver this $33.2 million in federal funding for the MTA - from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we worked so hard to pass - to strengthen the resiliency of the 6 train line by installing a complete stormwater drainage system at Westchester Yard in the Bronx where Pelham Bay 6 line subway trains are stored. From more frequent extreme weather due to climate change, to the earthquake experienced throughout New York City, there is an urgent need to upgrade our country's infrastructure to withstand events like these," said Senator Schumer.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said: "When Westchester Yard receives heavy rainfall, it floods and disrupts service for over 500,000 weekday passengers who rely on the 6 line, which runs between the Bronx and lower Manhattan. This grant will allow us to implement flood control systems to keep New Yorkers moving."

For Senator Gillibrand's full letter of support, please click here.