Queens Plaza runs from the foot of the Queensboro Bridge to the junction of Northern and Queens Blvds. The plaza also is served by a number of subway lines - aboveground by the 7, N and W lines and below by the E, V, G and R lines. The F stops nearby, near 21st Street and the Queensbridge Houses. The Project’s principal objectives are to transform the existing forbidding character of Queens Plaza into a welcoming gateway for Long Island City and the Borough of Queens and to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality conditions along Queens Plaza by encouraging mass transit and other alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycling and walking. These objectives would be achieved through improvements to the pedestrian environment, the creation of dedicated bike lanes, reorganized traffic lanes between Crescent Street and Queens Plaza East, and streetscape improvements such as landscaping, public art, lighting, crosswalks, street furniture, directional signs and artistic banners. Recognizing the importance of this project for Western Queens and working with other members of the delegation (particularly Rep. Joseph Crowley who previously represented this area), I secured $500,000 for the project in FY2003, $750,000 in FY2004 and $1 million in FY2005. Additionally, I was able to ensure that the highway capital plan now moving through Congress authorizes $8 million to be spent on the project over the next six years.