Sure, they've been talking about building a Second Avenue subway line for decades — and today, nothing changes. Except that the Federal Transit Administration has done one better than simply talking about the project. They've green lighted it.

The next step: breaking ground. The hope is that the first leg, from 63rd to 96th streets, will be ready for use by 2012.

Just like the first step in rebuilding Ground Zero was, you know, breaking ground. And we all know how well that worked. Luckily, the MTA has set its sights low: the new line won't be complete until 2030, and by then the city is surely to look like The Day After Tomorrow, anyhow.

FEDS FINALLY ABOARD 2ND AVENUE $UBWAY [Geoff Earle, NYP]