NEW YORK- The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is focused on increasing diversity when awarding contracts for construction projects and hopes to increase participation in construction work completed by Minority and Women-owned (MWBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms by $1 billion.
To that end, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the ‘Equity in Infrastructure Project’ Pledge which sets ambitious goals to increase the participation of MWBEs and DBEs with the authority.
“Racism and inequity have played a significant role in paving the landscape of New York State, and our infrastructure is a stark reminder of that history,” said Hochul. “My commitment to equity, to expanding transit opportunities, and to Minority- and Women-owned Businesses is a commitment to building our state in a way that lifts up all New Yorkers.”
Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said that in 2023 almost 40 percent of all MTA contracts were awarded to MWBEs, accounting for over $800 million. These contracts are in addition to the $392.3 million paid to DBE firms, and $16.7 million to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses by the authority.
