Infrastructure and Jobs
Investing in our infrastructure has historically been a non-partisan issue. However, in recent years, Congress’ investment in addressing America’s crumbling infrastructure has been pathetically weak. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our infrastructure a D+ grade and the World Economic Forum ranks America 24th in infrastructure. Transportation for America estimates that there are 63,000 structurally deficient bridges in the United States – 2088 in New York State and 99 in Western New York alone. Brian has consistently called on Congress to make a bold investment in nation building right here at home. In 2012 he introduced the Nation Building Here at Home Act , which would have invested $1.2 trillion over five years to rebuild our infrastructure, with the potential to create 27 million jobs and reduce unemployment to 5.6 percent.
More on Infrastructure and Jobs
As the nation prepares to discuss investment in America’s infrastructure and Buffalo examines potential sites for a new passenger rail station, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) took to the House Floor in support of Buffalo’s Central Terminal, recognizing the grand architectural landmark as the best choice both in terms of improving transportation options and serving as a catalyst for redevelopment of the City’s Broadway Fillmore neighborhood.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) issued a letter to the Lead Facilitator and fellow members of the ad-hoc committee on the location of Buffalo’s new intercity passenger rail station laying out the argument for Western New York’s new Amtrak station to be located at Buffalo’s Central Terminal.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) welcomed Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to fund $1 million for an expedited study of potential new sites for an Amtrak station in the City of Buffalo.
“Governor Cuomo just put Buffalo on track for a transportation transformation,” said Higgins. “This is a new day in Buffalo, one where we move forward with confidence that we can not only dream big but achieve great things for Western New York. I look forward to working with the State, City and community on this effort to make smart decisions about our future.”
Buffalo - Today, Mayor Byron Brown, joined by Congressman Brian Higgins, State Senator Tim Kenney, State Assembly Member Crystal Peoples Stokes, Erie County Legislator Peter Savage and University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, announced that a High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) signal has been activated on Kenmore Avenue at the intersection of the North Buffalo Rails-to- Trails path. The HAWK signal - the first in the City of Buffalo - is a new traffic control device designed to improve pedestrian safety.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and City of Buffalo Councilman David Franczyk joined members of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation Board for a walk-through of the Buffalo Central Terminal.
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll today announced that work will begin on an $18.3 million highway rehabilitation project to improve the mobility and safety of Interstate 990 in the town of Amherst in Erie County.
Earlier this week Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) sent a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner calling for a portion of the $25 million allocated for the Buffalo train station in 2019-20 to be released this year so planning can begin now on a new station in Buffalo.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) points to the recent deterioration of the Buffalo Amtrak Station as an urgent reminder that Western New York can do much better. In a letter to the New York State Transportation Commissioner, Higgins calls for immediate release of a small portion of the $25 million set aside for the train station to begin a full and formal review of options for a new station including a potential new location at Canalside or Buffalo’s Central