Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced $54 million in state funding to support the Second Avenue Subway project - continuing work on the Q line extension into 125th Street in East Harlem.

“Right on 125th Street, work continues to be done daily," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. "This is probably one of the most important transportation equity projects in the country, and there’s also an economic development initiative.”

The funds will go to the MTA to help with moving utility lines, an important first step in Phase 2 of the project. The extension will add three new stations on 2nd Avenue at 106th Street, 116th Street and 125th Street. It will also connect with the existing 125th Street subway station on the Lexington Avenue line.

"I have been committed to the Second Avenue Subway since the day I took office, and we will deliver this project for the people of East Harlem and the millions of riders who will use it every day," said Gov. Hochul.

However, some critics argue that the governor’s delay in implementing congestion pricing has caused serious problems for public transit.

"While favoring her pet projects but stalling congestion pricing, Gov. Hochul leaves trains unreliable, stations inaccessible, buses and Access-a-Ride stuck in gridlock and millions of riders facing steep fare hikes and deep service cuts," said Danny Pearlstein from the Riders Alliance.

Despite the criticism, Rep. Espaillat defended the governor.

“I think she is committed to looking at congestion pricing as we move ahead, or another form of funding for the MTA before the end of the year," he said. "The fact that she is consistently moving forward with the Second Avenue subway means she has not left any of these projects behind.”

MTA Chair Janno Lieber thanked the governor for securing the funds. He noted that this helps keep the subway project on schedule while waiting for a decision on the $15 billion funding for the MTA’s capital program.