"The connectivity and accessibility of Downtown's critical transportation lines is a very important step in the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan," says Brookfield Properties president & CEO Ric Clark. "The Fulton Transit Center will be invaluable in allowing the business community to tap into one of Downtown's inherent advantages, extensive subway services."

The plan will make access to the streets and the station platforms, and transfers from line to line. Coupled with the new World Trade Center Transportation Hub, it will connect virtually every mode of transit in Lower Manhattan. The project will also make the complex accessible to the disabled.

The Dey Street concourse is the first of several elements to commence construction as part of the overall center. Other elements include the renovation of the Fulton Street 2/3, 4/5 subway stations, creation of new ADA street entries to the complex as well as construction of a new Transit Center entry building. The completed project will also provide relief to the congested sidewalks and streets.

The 2/3 and southern portions of the 4/5 station rehab are expected to be completed in 2006, and the Dey Street concourse will be open to the public in 2007. When fully completed in 2008, the Fulton Street Transit Center will provide improved light and air for the more than 275,000 daily riders who use the Fulton Street 2/3, 4/5, A/C and J/M/Z station complex. Construction of the Fulton Street Transit Center will be overseen by the MTA Capital Construction Co.