The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $4.9-billion first phase of the planned Second Avenue Subway has received a Full Funding Grant Agreement from the Federal Transit Authority for $1.3 billion. The grant, announced Nov. 19, assures that FTA will provide the money over a seven-year period. It will help fund the 2.3-mile first phase, which includes renovation of the 63rd Street station, construction of three new stations and boring of dual 22-ft-dia, mile-long tunnels. A joint venture of Skanska Civil USA’s New York City office, Secaucus, N.J.-based Schiavone Construction Co. and Walnut, Calif.-based J.F. Shea Construction Inc. signed a $337-million contract for the tunnels earlier this year.