EPA press release on WTC cleaning hotline launch, June 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Paramount Goals: Serving the Memorial and Catalyzing the Economy Providing a gateway to the planned September 11th memorial and revitalizing the downtown economy are the paramount goals for the improvement of the Lower Manhattan transportation system. The trans­ portation infrastructure that is built today will be used by miUions of visitors to the World Trade Center memorial for years to come. It is essential that design and construction proceed in a way that is both sen­ sitive to the magnitude of the events that took place on the site and capable of handling large numbers of visitors.

Transportation improvements also must act as a catalyst for economic development, spurring commercial growth and enhancing neighborhood life in Lower Manhattan. The new transportation infrastructure should more effectively link Lower Manhattan to the region and the world. Improvements to the quality of the transportation network will enhance passengers' travel experience, attract a larger pool of residents and workers to the area, and provide a foundation upon which to rebuild the downtown economy. The potential to locate in close proximity to the new transit complex, for example, will attract commercial ten­ ants to new office buildings, as well as drive the conversion or revitalization of underutilized buildings in the area. Enhanced airport and regional access will serve as an asset for existing Lower Manhattan firms and help to attract new ones. ,

Within this overall goals framework, the following set of objectives has been drawn from analyses of the existing transportation network and input from an extensive public dialogue. These objectives have guided the identification and development of the ideas within this document.

• Create a Grand Point of Arrival Although Lower Manhattan contains some of the most extensive transit infrastructure in the world, it is largely concealed from sight and often confusing to navigate. For example, while the Fulton Street subway station complex serves nearly as many commuters as Grand Central Terminal, its entrances are nicked away in building lobbies and its interior space is cramped and convoluted. An easily navigable central station providing connections among numerous transit services — including the twelve Lower Manhattan subway lines, PATH, and the World Financial Center ferry terminal — can serve as a grand point of arrival and signature location for people arriving in Lower Manhattan. The presence of an iconic and efficient transportation complex will reaffirm Lower Manhattan's preeminence as a center for global business and an attractive place to live, work and visit. ■ Improve Access to the Regions Airports Access to the region’s airports is crucial to Lower Manhattan's continued viability as the financial cap­ ital of the world and as the country's third largest central business district. New York's economy is increasingly dependent on financial and professional service firms that have intensive national and global travel requirements. While Lower Manhattan is located in proximity to the three major New York airports, it currently lacks efficient airport access. Traveling to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark from Lower Manhattan is presently time-consuming and unpredictable. A 21st century central busi­ ness district requires routes to the area's airports that are efficient and reliable. Transportation invest-

12 Lower Manhattan Transportation Strategies

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