For Immediate Release: 2/23/2023
GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
GOVERNOR HOCHUL CELEBRATES FINAL PHASE OF THE JFK TRANSFORMATION WITH GROUNDBREAKING FOR A NEW $4.2 BILLION TERMINAL 6
Project Will Create More Than 4,000 Total Jobs Including 1,800 Union Construction Jobs
Terminal 6 to Offer World-Class Passenger Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art Security and Streamlined Roadway Access
Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts and Financing Interests; Extensive Opportunities for Local Businesses and Jobseekers Guided by Community Advisory Council
Renderings for New Terminal 6 Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today celebrated a key milestone in the Port Authority's transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with the groundbreaking for the $4.2 billion project to develop a new Terminal 6. The 1.2 million square foot, state-of-the-art new terminal on the airport's north side will feature 10 new gates - including 9 wide-body gates - and will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 jobs in construction. This project is the final piece of the JFK Vision Plan to break ground, and it will complete the transformation of the airport into a 21st century global gateway.
"New York remains committed to providing travelers with a premier experience that includes world-class amenities, expanded and streamlined airport transportation, and state-of-the-art security," Governor Hochul said. "The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 offers a complete vision for the modernized global gateway while adding 4,000 jobs to New York's workforce. Congratulations to everyone who has dedicated years of hard work to making this historic milestone possible."
The new Terminal 6 is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners -- a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets, which has a 30-percent equity stake in the project; New York real estate operating company RXR; and JetBlue Airways, the project's airline sponsor.
JFK Millennium Partners is developing the new terminal in two phases, with the first new gates opening in 2026 and construction completion in 2028. The new terminal will create an anchor for passenger travel on JFK's north side, spanning the sites of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7. JFK Millennium Partners is managing Terminal 7 until the 50-year-old facility is demolished to make way for the second phase of construction.
The new Terminal 6 arrivals and departures hall will feel spacious, bright, and airy thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings throughout the new terminal. Inspiring public art by New York-based artists and architectural elements depicting New York landmarks will create a unique sense of place. Passengers will enjoy more than 100,000 square feet of world-class shopping and dining featuring locally based restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste of NY stores.
State-of-the-art technology will improve the customer experience with touchless technology from check-in to gates and digital systems that will streamline the passenger journey throughout the terminal. Advanced security systems will include automated TSA security lanes, biometric-based access control systems and a flexible design to accommodate future technology or regulatory changes. A convenient taxi plaza as well as designated for-hire vehicle pick-up areas will be shared with Terminal 5, substantially reducing traffic congestion on the terminal road frontage and maximizing connectivity across the airport.
As part of the agreement with JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority will commit $130 million in capital funding to build enabling infrastructure for the new Terminal 6, including airside improvements and utility enhancements such as electrical support for the project. Enhanced airside aircraft circulation will reduce congestion and delays, while roadway improvements will optimize airport traffic flow.
The development of Terminal 6 is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union construction jobs, and direct wages of $1.9 billion. JMP is committed to meeting and exceeding the Port Authority's goal of 30 percent participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and creating opportunities to foster and grow local businesses through the development. The Terminal 6 project is part of the Port Authority's $18 billion transformation of JFK under the leadership of Governor Hochul, and it is just one component in the Port Authority's overall $30 billion commitment to creating world-class facilities at all of the region's airports. In addition to JetBlue, Lufthansa Group will also make its home in the new Terminal 6, operating international flights out of several gates and creating a world-class lounge experience for guests travelling on its airlines, which include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said, "For generations, our region has been the nation's front door to the world. Finally, with the transformation of JFK International, it will become the airport that it was always destined to be - a state of the art global gateway that tells visitors they've arrived in the greatest region of the nation. At JFK, at LaGuardia Airport and at Newark-Liberty International, we are making unprecedented investments in the future of our region."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "With today's groundbreaking for a new, state-of-the-art Terminal 6, every project included in the $18 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class, global gateway is either underway or complete. Part of the Port Authority's $30 billion commitment to transforming the region's airports, this historic investment at JFK is a vote of confidence in the future of our region that will ensure that the airport will not only remain the nation's busiest for international travelers, but that it will be among the world's finest airports."
JFK Millennium Partners Board Chair and Vantage Airport Group Chair & CEO George Casey said, "It's a tremendous honor to be playing a role in the delivery of Governor Hochul's vision to transform JFK International Airport into a world-class international gateway with a new Terminal 6. Today's ground-breaking celebrates the strong partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, reflects the hard work and shared commitment of our Vantage-led team to advance this $4.2 billion terminal transformation, and accelerates our delivery of an extraordinary airport facility that will provide tremendous benefits to the local community, city, and state that Terminal 6 will proudly serve."
JFK Millennium Partners CEO and Vantage Executive Helena Williams, said, "Great cities need great airports. Alongside our partners at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Vantage Airport Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue, we are ready to deliver a terminal that transforms the guest experience, drives significant economic activity, and creates extensive opportunities for local minority and women owned businesses to make their mark at JFK International Airport, starting now and for years to come."
JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said, "It was 23 years ago that JetBlue launched our first flights from our home at JFK, eventually taking over our modern Terminal 5, sending customers to more than 80 destinations. Now, at a time that JetBlue is set to grow significantly, we are excited to once again invest and further the governor's vision as we build the new Terminal 6. As we move JFK into the future with a new, state-of-the-art, customer-focused facility, we are so pleased to have an opportunity to expand our presence with new gates in a new terminal. The team putting this project together is setting out to develop a terminal that New Yorkers, including our JetBlue crewmembers, can be proud of."
ATI Chairman Secretary Henry Cisneros said, "ATI's involvement across all aspects of the project is a demonstration of how the principle of inclusion is valid; how it sets the stage for growth of new businesses, how it sets an example for representation of women, minorities, veterans, and local businesses in large scale projects, and how it demonstrates an effective means to create an American economy where every business sector can serve the cause of equity."
RXR Chairman Scott Rechler said, "As we navigated a global pandemic and a rapidly changing economic environment alongside our partners at the Port Authority, our determination to reach this critical milestone never wavered. The new terminal 6 at JFK International Airport is another example of how with private sector investment and ingenuity in collaboration with the public sector we can revitalize our aging infrastructure while powering economic vitality. Congratulations to Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and our JMP partners for this historic day."
Representative Gregory Meeks said, "This is a wonderful time for JFK Airport. The groundbreaking of the new Terminal 6 is another step toward elevating the airport as a premier global gateway. The project allows for the creation of thousands of jobs which allows for additional employment opportunities for New Yorkers. We are investing in our state's growing economy and enhancing our infrastructure while offering state-of-the art technology for a seamless traveling experience for passengers."
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, "We are excited, in this airport community, that we have the opportunity to fully participate in this infrastructure project and airport ecosystem. Residents of Southeast Queens can fully participate in the airport economics; including ownership and investment, business opportunities, high-level jobs and training."
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, "Today, Governor Hochul continues to lead the charge in making sure the redevelopment of JFK Airport is a priority. The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 is transformative for this state and the South East Queens community. World class includes us, includes Union jobs, and MWBE. We knew before the shovels were in the ground that our residents deserved career opportunities in this redevelopment for years to come. Thank you to Congressman Gregory Meeks & Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for their leadership, as well as the Port Authority."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "This is a historic day for The World's Borough and the millions of people from across the world who fly in and out of Kennedy Airport. The JFK Vision Plan, one of the largest economic development projects in Queens' history, is coming to fruition before our eyes. "From the creation of 4,000 jobs to new contracting opportunities for local small businesses and MWBEs, Terminal 6's redevelopment will reverberate throughout Queens' economy for years to come. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, the JFK Airport Redevelopment Council, the workers who will build this terminal and all who played a role in getting us to this monumental moment."
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, "John F. Kennedy International Airport is the gateway to New York City, and for many visitors, our entire country. The groundbreaking for the new Terminal 6 is a milestone achievement for the redevelopment of JFK Airport and will enhance the traveling experience for all passengers. It is critical that small businesses, MWBE firms, and local residents from Southeast Queens and the airport's surrounding neighborhoods benefit from the economic opportunities generated by this project. I look forward to celebrating the completion of Terminal 6 and all of the projects that are part of JFK Airport's complete transformation."
New York City Council Majority Whip and Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said, "I applaud today's groundbreaking on JFK's new international Terminal 6. JFK is an economic engine for the city and for Council District 31, and its successful redevelopment will help to ensure its status as a global gateway extends far into the future. It is crucial that as this project proceeds, the program meets ambitious MWBE utilization goals, engages the surrounding community, and addresses the needs of impacted community members. I look forward to the completion of Terminal 6 by way of a process that benefits all New Yorkers."
Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera said, "Today's groundbreaking on a new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport represents the beginning of another critical, large-scale infrastructure upgrade that will play a crucial role in revitalizing New York's economy and create thousands of good paying, middle class union careers with benefits. We must continue to invest in these projects that create sustainable career opportunities for our city's working people, and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and steadfast dedication to ensuring that these job-generating projects are the gateway to a new era in New York. Our members are at the ready and look forward to ramping up their work to complete this next step in fully modernizing JFK International Airport into the exemplary, world-class transportation hub that New Yorkers, and our visitors, truly deserve."
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President & CEO Justin Rodgers said, "The massive redevelopment taking place across JFK Airport will re-establish it as one of the world's premiere international gateways. Governor Hochul's vision for JFK will have a long-term impact on the metropolitan region. We are proud to have assisted the Governor and her team and the JFK Redevelopment Co-Chairs with finding minority and women-owned businesses in Southeast Queens to join in the work."
President & CEO of the New York Building Congress Carlo A. Scissura, Esq. said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of JFK Airport's fantastic new Terminal 6. Everywhere you look in New York, another transformative project is underway and Terminal 6 is a perfect example of that. Today's milestone means thousands of good-paying industry jobs and will result in an improved passenger experience at one of our region's most important travel hubs. We congratulate Gov. Hochul, the Building Congress members behind the project, and the countless partners who helped bring the Redevelopment Program to life."
Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community
In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. It is co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of Southeast Queens, Southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.
Since its inception, the Council has been working with the Port Authority to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students, and jobseekers.
This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the JFK Redevelopment program, including this terminal project, which will be built by union labor under a full project-labor agreement. Other community development initiatives prioritized by the Council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for local residents, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students.
Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway
In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The Vision Plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The new Terminal 6 builds on the momentum of the other three major components of the airport's transformation already underway. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal, is now under construction. Additionally, the $400 million modernization and expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, and British Airways, which relocated to Terminal 8 late last year, was substantially completed in November 2022.
All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent an $18 billion transformation of JFK International and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority capital investment of $2.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of more than five to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full JFK redevelopment program.
+++
For Immediate Release: 2/23/2023
GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
VIDEO, AUDIO, PHOTOS & RUSH TRANSCRIPT: GOVERNOR HOCHUL CELEBRATES FINAL PHASE OF THE JFK TRANSFORMATION WITH GROUNDBREAKING FOR A NEW $4.2 BILLION TERMINAL 6
Project Will Create More Than 4,000 Total Jobs Including 1,800 Union Construction Jobs
Terminal 6 to Offer World-Class Passenger Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art Security and Streamlined Roadway Access
Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts and Financing Interests; Extensive Opportunities for Local Businesses and Jobseekers Guided by Community Advisory Council
Renderings for New Terminal 6 Available Here
Governor Hochul: "Terminal Six will have 10 new gates, including nine for wide body jets. I've taken this airline all over the world and it is incredibleit'll be as vibrant as New York itself, this terminal. This is a showcase. This is an opportunity to tell that story."
Hochul: "That is why we are here after 14 extraordinary months of announcement, after announcement, after announcement to show we have the courage, we have the heart to continue pushing New York State forward. This project today is the symbol of that, and I could not be prouder to be here."
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey celebrated a key milestone in the Port Authority's transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with the groundbreaking for the $4.2 billion project to develop a new Terminal 6. The 1.2 million square foot, state-of-the-art new terminal on the airport's north side will feature 10 new gates - including 9 wide-body gates - and will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 jobs in construction. This project is the final piece of the JFK Vision Plan to break ground, and it will complete the transformation of the airport into a 21st century global gateway.
VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.
AUDIO of the event is available here.
PHOTOS of the event are available on the Governor's Flickr page.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Well, here we are. JFK once again. There is so much extraordinary progress being made right now. So, I could not be happier to be back here, right here and now. So, I want to acknowledge some of our leaders of our community. People that I've come to know for many, many years now, starting with our Congressman, Greg Meeks. Thank you, Greg Meeks for your leadership in Washington, in your district, but also working with the advisory committee here to make that we do all the right things. And so, thank you. Let's give her another round of applause to Greg Meeks. Donovan Richards, our Borough President. The dynamic duo here. You have to tag team to come up against me, don't you? That's how it's got to be, alright. But we have been great partners working together and I thank both of you for all you do. But Donovan Richards, I come out of local government, I have an affinity for local government and you've been a great champion as well.
Rick Cotton needs no introduction. His name, I just said, Robert Carroll, who's done writing books about people like past icons who built infrastructure and kept building and doing great things. But you really have made a mark. You made contributions that will be talked about way beyond our time, and I'm grateful to have your service, your partnership and your friendship. Let's give a huge round of applause to Rick Cotton, our Executive Director. Kevin O'Toole, the Chairman of the Port Authority. Kevin, thank you for our cross-boundary friendship and relationships and your stewardship of this great organization leading us into great projects as well. So, I thank you Kevin O'Toole. Let's give another round of applause.
Our partners in this project, you'll be hearing from George Casey, the CEO of Vantage Airport Group. We've seen him at many of our events. Robin Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue Airways, finally got to see Robin in person. We've been communicating over remote means for the last couple years. And so, great to see you here and thank you for your commitment to this community and to this state. It's extraordinary. Scott Rechler, the Chair and CEO of RXR, thank you for your belief in this project and bringing it all the way to where we are today. Secretary Henry Cisneros, the Chairman of American Triple I. I want to say I've known the Secretary since he was the Secretary under Bill Clinton. And what you did at HUD was nothing short of extraordinary. I was a staffer on Capitol Hill, just a little bit younger than you maybe, not a whole lot. But I always watched your great work on how you tried to lift up our cities and our communities and so, thank you for your lifetime of public service as well. Secretary Henry Cisneros.
Helena Williams here is our CEO of JFK Millennium Partners. Thank you, Helena, for all your contributions. And this doesn't get built by the faint of heart. These are major, major important projects and we have nothing but the best, hardest working workforce in the world today led by Gary LaBarbera, the President of the Building and Construction Trades here in New York. Gary, thank you. Thank you.
It's not an exaggeration to say that the last 14 months have been among the most dramatic and transformational in the history of JFK. It was 75 years ago that President Truman was here for the first flight. At the time, it was known as Idlewild. You don't have to ask why because I think JFK was still in the military back then, commandeering PT 109 or whatever he was doing back then. So, he was not - that's why it wasn't called JFK in the beginning. I think we recognize that, but 75 years ago, President Truman. And what we've done since that time is nothing sort of extraordinary in the short few months. What have we done?
December 2021, we broke ground on a $1.5 billion expansion at Terminal Four. Last September, we broke ground on a $9.5 billion new Terminal One. And now just a few months later, here we are. Another milestone continuing JFK's domination among the world's premier airports. I said that, and therefore it is now true. So, let's lean into that story because I believe in that. This is a place people want to come and this is truly place of first impressions. And all the work we're doing here, those first impressions are going to be nothing but incredible. So, we're not just dreaming big thoughts, we're doing big things. And we also want to mark the fact that it takes a lot to raise the steel, pour the concrete to do exactly - I mentioned, Gary LaBarbera, organized labor is the lynchpin to getting this done, Gary, and the work that's being done, the work that was done during the pandemic to keep us on path. This is also part of your legacy. Over 4,000 jobs, 1,800 good-paying union jobs. That's how we change people's lives. We give them the training, you give them the dignity to work. And to all the workforce, thank you for making us all so proud.
It's an airport, yes, but it's also an economic engine supporting over 280,000 jobs, $17 billion in annual wages. It is truly the nation's leading airport for international visitors, and key to our tourism industry. And we know what happened during the pandemic. We took a hard hit, but now people are seeing this city, this state, we're back, we're back. Our subways, our streets are safer. People are starting to get that vibe again about what New York is all about. That exceptionalism that has defined us since our very beginning. And now, we talk about the tourism, the people coming from around the world to visit us. Tourism is back to 85 percent of our pre-pandemic levels. That, my friends, is progress. And I'm excited about that.
But now we talk about JFK being the front door to the rest of the world. I mentioned President Truman back in 1848 - I'm sorry, 1948, 1948. He said this airport will be the front door to the United Nations, that men and women from the far corners of the Earth will land here in search of peaceful solutions for their countries. That was a bold statement, but it remains as true today as it did in 1948, that this is where people will step onto the tarmac or come into the terminal, hopefully, with the opportunities to not just visit, not just to have a great experience, but also those who come here as ambassadors and those who are part of the diplomatic corps, who come here to go to the United Nations just as 75 years ago, President Truman talked about a place where they can seek peace. No better place to greet them than right here. That's why this is part of a larger story that is so significant. And now to have this continuum in its legacy of being a world class airport, we're New Yorkers, we deserve the best. We know that, and the rest of the world expects the best from us.
So, this again, will be a gateway that rivals everywhere else. And that is why this project, Terminal Six, a $4.2 billion project and the - here's the best part, my friends - 100 percent privately funded. I love that part. $4.2 billion. That is a sign of belief, that is a sign of confidence - that is so important to the rest of the world, that yes, we have that mojo back. We have the belief that this is money worth spending because there will be the return on this. And this is also part of what is already ongoing, as I mentioned, for our $18 billion overall construction transformation. We're going to have 1.2 million square feet of space. Terminal Six will have 10 new gates, including nine for wide body jets. I've taken this airline all over the world and it is incredible. We're going to have restaurants and little local businesses that have a chance to get a foothold here. Public art, recreation spaces - people will not know where they've landed. Those who've come here for many years and it'll be as vibrant as New York itself, this terminal. This is a showcase. This is an opportunity to tell that story.
And also, having this seamless connection to Terminal Five so you don't have to scramble. I remember the very first terminal here. I came here in 1998 when it first opened, because I was from a place - have you heard of this? Buffalo? You know Buffalo, yeah? Pretty good football most years, next year too. I mean, you have to love the Giants and the Jets, too. A lot of love for everybody. But Buffalo always felt a little bit, you know, like that stepsister, you never had the same pride for a long time, it was a hard-hit city. But when JetBlue opened up service to Buffalo and made the connections between Buffalo and New York City and beyond, and Leecia Eve is here, she knows what I'm talking about. She knows that experience. It just gave that jolt of confidence to a place like Buffalo and all the other communities that you service as well. So, never forget what that means to the smaller markets who are now part of a bigger story. They feel that connection. I felt that profoundly back at that time. And so, these investments here today change the psychology of communities as well. Not just what we're doing here, but the connections we're making elsewhere.
I'm so excited that people can come here, stay at that extraordinary TWA hotel. How visionary was that? And this terminal will actually be a destination itself. So, I want to thank JetBlue again. Yes, you are New York's hometown airline. You can say that anywhere you want. You truly are. And I just want to thank you for all you've done here. I want to thank the JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority, the Redevelopment Council - extraordinary partners throughout this process. We got this far because of your vision, your willingness to just stand up through some tough times, make the hard decisions, and get the job done.
And an important part of this, as I talk about the economic impact, the 30 percent MWBE participation is so critical to the success of not just this project, but to the success of the community around, a community that deserves recognition. Southeast Queens and other areas where people can count on those jobs, from minority and women-owned businesses and the emphasis on local hiring, how important is that? And thank you again for pushing that and pushing that.
The local business opportunities, businesses like Creative Construction Services in Cambria Heights, Jetway Security, right here in Jamaica. These are businesses that'll be forever changed. They go from a little guy to a big guy overnight when they get a contract at a place like this. That's how transformative this is. So, I'm excited about this.
And I just lastly want to say, we love infrastructure, we love building. And isn't it great to have partners in Washington? Yes. Congressman Greg Meeks and others, but let's start with the President, Joe Biden, who is making sure that we have money for infrastructure to do the building that was delayed and deferred for decades. And also, to have the majority leader, Chuck Schumer, and his great partner, Kirsten Gillibrand. We have the team that is delivering for all of us, and as Governor, I don't take that for granted for one second. Our delegation, Greg Meeks and others, thank you. Thank you for what you're doing because you understand the importance.
But now as we turn the page on the pandemic and hope and believe that the last of the ravages of the social and economic impacts are over, I know that New York is going to continue to grow. Its vibrancy is unparalleled. And part of that is just in our DNA. You know, this is what we do. We always reimagine, we build anew, we seize opportunities to do even better than those who came before us.
You know, this year we're celebrating some more milestones on the Erie Canal, transformed Upstate, made connections that people just thought were crazy. There's a whole story, it was actually devised by someone who was sitting in prison. Did you know that? I'll give you that whole story another day, but it is amazing. Someone sitting in prison had a lot of time on their hands and they said, how can we connect Upstate to New York City and transform what was a little village here to be the economic powerhouse for the planet? And we do things like that. So, I'm born and raised in an Erie Canal community, so I know the great potential. We've overcome so much. The Spanish Flu a century ago, didn't stop us from expanding the subway system and building bridges. The Great Depression didn't stop us from building the world's tallest buildings, the Empire State Building.
So even when we were emerging from World War I and II, we kept building LaGuardia, the Midtown Tunnel, Whitestone Bridge. And COVID didn't stop us. We'll be launching Grand Central Madison in a couple of days. I'm so excited about this. And this project will be on that long line of transformative projects that others, a little more faint of heart might have said, "We can't do this. It's too big. It's too grandiose, especially during a pandemic." But I'm here to say the people who have that DNA, that desire to be the best that the world has to offer, never gave up, never wavered, and that is why we are here after 14 extraordinary months of announcement, after announcement, after announcement to show we have the courage, we have the heart to continue pushing New York State forward. This project today is a symbol of that, and I could not be prouder to be here. And I want to thank everyone involved, starting with our next speaker, Rick Cotton.