Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that President Obama has released $151 million for rail infrastructure improvements in New York State.  The funding for the Empire Corridor was one of several allocations made toward the goal of a national vision to expand high speed rail in America.   

“Development of New York’s rail line will provide this State with new opportunities for connections that drive our economy,” said Congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the Upstate New York Congressional Caucus. “Through this effort we can better connect workers to jobs, goods to buyers and tourists to New York’s attractions. This Recovery Act investment is one example of a project that creates real jobs for real people both in the short and long term.”

The funding was provided through $8 billion set aside for rail infrastructure through the federal Recovery Act.  

According to the US Department of Transportation, competition for these federal dollars was extensive.  The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received 278 pre-applications requesting more than $102 billion for high speed rail from 40 states and the District of Columbia.

Included in the funding for New York, $ 147,000,000 will support:

• Empire Corridor West - Buffalo-Depew Station Improvement
  • Rehabilitation of the Buffalo-Depew station facilities to a state of good repair and accessibility upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
• Empire Corridor West - Rochester Station Improvement
  • Construction and repair of the Rochester Station to improve passenger accessibility related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Empire Corridor South - Albany-Schenectady 2nd Track
  • Installation of a second track, interlocking reconfigurations and grade crossing warning device systems to eliminate an existing bottleneck and improve safety.
• Empire Corridor West - Phase 1 3rd Track Mileposts 382-393
  • Preparation of preliminary engineering and environmental analysis for 11 miles of third track, which will allow for passenger rail operating speeds up to 110 mph.
• Empire Corridor South - Grade Crossing Improvements - CSXT Milepost 75 to 143
  • Improvements to existing warning devices at 12 grade crossings.
     

$1 million will support:

• Empire Corridor Planning
  • Preparation of a service development plan and environmental studies for high speed rail enhancements throughout the Empire Corridor.
     

$3 million will fund:

• Adirondack - Ballston Spa Capacity Improvements
  • Final design and construction of 2.27 miles of third mainline track used by Amtrak's state-supported  Adirondack (New York - Montreal) and Ethan Allen Express (New York - Rutland, VT) services, which will improve the reliability and on-time performance of these services.
     

In December Transportation Secretary LaHood indicated they already have commitments from over 30 companies in the rail manufacturing industry.

“Our tourism industry, business sector and environment will all benefit from this substantial transportation investment,” added Higgins.  “This is about more than networking rail lines it is about networking people, business and communities.”