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Nine stories under Second Avenue, Republican John Mica from Florida saw the progress the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has made toward turning the Second Avenue subway project into a reality.

As chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Mica is key to getting the MTA much needed federal dollars.

The first phase of the Second Avenue subway is an extension of the Q line from 63rd Street and Lexington over to Second Avenue, stopping at 72nd, 86th and 96th Streets.

Most of the route falls within Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's district. She's been fighting to bring the line to life since she took office in 1992.

“The first phase of this on day one will move over 200,000 people,” said Maloney. “16,000 jobs are created now by the Second Avenue subway. I’ve been told by the federal experts the paperwork and the work on this project is among the best in the entire nation.”

MTA officials say the authority’s on track to open the first phase in five years, but it's short $40 million in federal money this year because of budget cuts in the house.

However, after Tuesday's tour, Mica said he'll see the money comes through.

“This project will be funded. You have my commitment as chairman of the committee,” said Mica.

That leaves three more phases to fund to get the subway from Harlem down to Hanover Square. Mica and Maloney say they want to ensure the current momentum on Second Avenue isn't stopped the way it was by the recession in the 1970s.

"This isn't a Republican or a Democrat project. This is a project to improve New York City. We have projects like this across the nation where we need additional transportation infrastructure, so we can get people working and employed now," said Mica.

Mica said he'll take that message back to Washington.