Meng, Velazquez, and Meeks Announce Over $117 Million in Federal Funding for Queensway Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Gregory Meeks (NY-05) announced today a federal grant totaling $117,696,000 for the QueensWay project in Queens.

Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and awarded through the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program, this Neighborhood and Access and Equity grant supports the design and construction of the Forest Park Pass section of the project.

The Forest Park Pass includes over 9 acres and extends about 0.65 miles from Union Turnpike, through Forest Park, to Park Lane South. The full QueensWay project will be a 3.5-mile, 47-acre linear park that transforms a stretch of abandoned railway into green space, as well as a transportation corridor featuring pedestrian and bike-friendly paths that connect six neighborhoods from Forest Hills to Ozone Park. The project will provide safe alternative routes to twelve schools, seven subway lines, one commuter line (LIRR), along with local businesses.

“I am excited to help announce this crucial federal money for the QueensWay project, which I advocated for in helping to pass the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Congresswoman Meng. “QueensWay will provide more needed greenspace in our borough and ensure many benefits to the public including upgraded infrastructure, additional transportation options, and connecting neighborhoods. In communities like Queens, greenspace is limited and transportation projects, have historically disconnected diverse neighborhoods and discouraged walkability, and QueensWay stands to help change this. As New York’s Representative on the Regional Leadership Council, I look forward to continuing to help move this project forward.”

“Every New Yorker deserves equitable access to high-quality park space and transportation options. This $117 million in federal funding for QueensWay will help bring much-needed greenspace to these Queens communities, reconnect neighborhoods, and transform an abandoned railway into a state-of-the-art urban trail,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This investment was made possible by The Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to help pass in Congress, and I’m confident this project will have a positive impact on the health and wellness of many New Yorkers.”

“Investing in the heart of our communities is essential for growth and the success of Queens,” said Congressman Meeks. “With the assistance of this federal grant, we’re connecting neighborhoods and providing historically disadvantaged neighborhoods with healthy open spaces and low-emitting transportation options. This initiative will strengthen our local economy and allow our communities to enjoy the many benefits stemming from this project.”

Last year, Rep. Meng wrote a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation advocating to include funding for the Forest Park Pass section of the QueensWay project in the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program. This program was established through the Inflation Reduction Act and includes the Neighborhood and Access and Equity Grant Program (NAE).

The NAE Grant Program will provide up to $3.155 billion in federal funding to connect communities across the country. Grants awarded through the program fund projects that improve safety, walkability, and provide affordable, environmentally friendly transportation that supports neighborhood equity.