New York requests funding for new high speed rail
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has applied for $11.6 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to improve high-speed rail service along the Empire Corridor between New York City and Niagara Falls.
The ARRA grants will be awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and would support the State’s high-speed intercity passenger rail initiative. The initiative would substantially upgrade the existing 460-mile Empire Corridor, modernize locomotives and cars used by Amtrak, and make other rail infrastructure improvement throughout the State. Rail stations along the corridor also would be upgraded.
“This application for economic recovery funds builds on the State rail plan unveiled earlier this year and is in line with President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail service across our country,” Governor Paterson said. “This funding will support a vigorous program of high-speed rail improvements that will promote economic development and job creation throughout Upstate New York, as well as energy and environmental benefits in the years ahead.”
The State’s high-speed intercity passenger rail plan is aimed at increasing the frequency of trips between major cities and reducing the travel times, as well as increasing speeds and improving on-time performance to make passenger rail service the first-choice mode of travel connecting our primary population centers. Some of the key initiatives include: additional mainline capacity between Schenectady and Buffalo; acquisition and rehabilitation of rail cars to support increased Amtrak service; and operational improvements between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie.
In addition to improvements on the Empire Corridor, the program also would result in benefits to Amtrak rail lines the Maple Leaf (New York City–Niagara Falls–Toronto), the Lake Shore Limited (New York City-Buffalo-Chicago), the Adirondack (New York City-Albany-Montreal) and Ethan Allen (New York City-Albany-Rutland, VT).
Under the application guidelines, grants must be used to target a group of projects that collectively advance the use of a corridor for high-speed intercity passenger rail service. A corridor program also must have independent utility and measurable public benefits. The State’s corridor program application was developed with its rail partner CSX Transportation, Amtrak and FRA.
The FRA will appropriate the grants from a discretionary program with $8 billion in ARRA funding, which will be allocated to states on a competitive basis for high-speed intercity passenger rail programs. In addition to the economic recovery funds for rail, President Obama has requested an annual high-speed rail appropriation of $1 billion for each of the next five years. The FRA and the federal Administration envision this program to be a multi-year, long-term commitment to high-speed rail comparable to the Interstate Highway Program created in the 1950s.
In March, the Governor released the 2009 New York State Rail Plan, the first comprehensive update on the State’s rail strategy in 22 years and a prerequisite for future federal funding for rail capital improvement projects. In August, the State presented a far-reaching package of rail projects to federal authorities for economic recovery funding totaling more than $561 million.
For more information on the high-speed rail application for economic recovery funds, please visit: https://www.nysdot.gov/recovery/sponsors/rail.
The following statements were given in support of the high-speed rail funding application:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “We are at the beginning of a new age for high-speed rail, and we must be sure that Upstate New York is part of that future. It has the potential to provide thousands of jobs and revitalize large parts of New York’s economy, and I will be aggressively working with the Federal Railroad Administration to see that these critical projects are funded, and that New York gets its fair share.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “High-speed rail is one of my top priorities for New York. Investment in high-speed rail throughout New York will create an economic development engine for decades. It will help connect more New York businesses and families, create jobs immediately and help rebuild our economy long term. I will continue my work to advance this vital goal with the Obama Administration, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the rest of the New York Delegation.”
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said: “This application is an important step forward in building a better economic future for New York. High-speed rail has the potential to build up a strong regional workforce, improve commerce, generate new tourism opportunities and spark revitalization in our region for years to come. Eventually I hope to connect the Empire Corridor to Toronto, Montreal and back down to Albany creating a large economic center.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “I am pleased to support Governor Paterson’s application to use ARRA funds for high-speed rail improvements across New York State. Building upon New York’s recently released comprehensive state rail plan, these funds will allow the State to better link Upstate cities to the downstate region, thus fostering essential new economic development and jobs in communities across the State.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “Investing in high-speed rail lines throughout New York would be the most significant infrastructure investment in the future since the creation of the interstate highway system a half century ago. I applaud the governor’s application for federal economic recovery funding to establish high-speed rail lines in New York and will do everything I can in Congress to support it.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said: “A passenger rail network that provides a more efficient link to the Buffalo-Niagara region would provide a significant boost to the Western New York economy. Our tourism industry, business sector and environment would all benefit from this substantial transportation investment.”
Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “Making high-speed rail a reality in Upstate New York will increase jobs, improve passenger rail service, and allow business to operate more effectively and efficiently across the State. I am encouraged by the work of New York State officials in our joint commitment to bringing high-speed rail to Upstate New York. This process is ongoing and I look forward to the success high-speed rail will bring to our communities in the near future.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said: “Improving our transportation system is one of the keys to creating long-term economic growth across Upstate New York. Fixing the bottle necks in the current system is a top priority. Once this is accomplished, rail becomes a very attractive option for commuters as well as freight companies and businesses. Railroad transportation is also highly energy efficient and will help reduce fuel consumption, improve the quality of the air, reduce congestions and take tons of carbon emitting vehicles off the road. I commend Governor Paterson for moving quickly and boldly to apply for these Recovery Act grants, as well as for creating a statewide rail plan, and I will continue to work towards making the vision of high-speed rail a reality for New Yorkers.”
NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “Under the leadership of Governor Paterson, the State is seeking to make investments that will lay a solid foundation for realizing the goals of our State rail plan. The application for economic recovery funds submitted to FRA will further our efforts to provide New Yorkers with high-speed rail service that offers an affordable, reliable and energy-efficient transportation alternative.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith said: “High-speed rail can be the economic engine that drives New York toward a 21st century economy. Sound investment in high-speed rail, supported by a strong federal partnership, will create the modern infrastructure and transportation system New York needs to compete in the global economic market and get our economy back to work. I applaud President Obama, Vice President Biden, Governor Paterson, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as our entire Congressional Delegation for their efforts to bring us one step closer to realizing the future of New York’s economy today.”
Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said: “The Empire Corridor is an essential step to begin implementing the State’s rail plan. The stretch of track is only a fraction of what will become a statewide, intercity high-speed rail transit system. And it will prove to be the hinge pin of a viable transportation alternative reconnecting local economies and communities.”
Darlene Kerr, President of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and Member of the High-Speed Rail New York Coalition said: “Upstate New York will see real impact from unprecedented federal investment of stimulus dollars in our region’s rail stations, signal systems, and rail lines. Though only the first step in transforming our rail system, individual projects, like the Schenectady reliability improvement initiative and congestion relief around Syracuse, will stimulate our economy by immediately reducing delays and thereby allowing for smooth and rapid movement of goods and workers throughout the State.”
Topics: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ARRA, Federal Railroad Administration, FRA, Governance, high speed rail, intercity passenger rail initiative, New York, New York State Department of Transportation, NYSDOT, train, transportation, U.S., United States
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