SUBMITTED by Congressman Dan Maffei Media Center, 25th District of New York (14-July-2009)
Reps. Maffei, Slaughter, Arcuri, Lee, and Tonko today announced the approval of $4,595,000 in federal funding that will be used to help improve track and set the stage for the creation of a high-speed rail line between Buffalo and Albany with stops in Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica.
The funds will be used to improve grade crossing safety and to facilitate high-speed rail along the Empire West Corridor. Work will include reconfiguration to enhance safety, including improvements to existing warning devices and the installation of channelization devices. These projects will enable improved speeds throughout the corridor, thereby reducing travel times and increasing on-time service.
Rep. Dan Maffei said:
Rep. Mike Arcuri said: “These funds put us on the right track toward achieving high-speed rail across Upstate New York. Today’s announcement is a perfect example of the success Upstate New York can enjoy when we work together – Republicans and Democrats – to put economic and infrastructure development for our region above all else. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on high-speed rail so far, and look forward continuing the fight for Upstate New York in the future.”
The funds were approved by a House Transportation Subcommittee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. It is anticipated that the funds will be approved by the full House Appropriations Committee on Friday and the House of Representatives shortly thereafter.
Rep. Chris Lee said: “High-speed rail presents a great opportunity for advancing the long-term economic development of Western New York, and this is certainly a good first step in ensuring this project gets off the ground quickly and efficiently. Thanks to our delegation’s bipartisan efforts, New York’s high speed rail plan is getting the attention it deserves.”
The development of an Upstate New York high-speed rail line is a foremost priority of the Upstate New York Caucus, founded by Rep. Slaughter in January 2009 and joined by all the Members of the House representing Upstate districts.
Rep. Paul Tonko said: “These funds will improve the speed, safety and reliability of our current system and lay the groundwork for high-speed rail, which brings the promise of economic revitalization to the towns and cities of Upstate New York. Providing an efficient transportation option for commuters and businesses will help lead us toward a cleaner, greener, future and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make high-speed rail a reality for New York.”
The development of an Upstate New York high-speed rail line calls for the construction of an additional track along existing rail lines between Buffalo and Albany on which trains could reach speeds of 110mph and eventually 150mph. The New York State Department of Transportation has estimated that a high-speed rail line between Buffalo and Albany can be constructed within three to five years at a cost of $3 to $5 billion.
In addition to the funds announced today, key members of the Upstate Congressional delegation are pursuing funding allotted to high-speed rail in the recently enacted economic recovery package as well as in additional upcoming federal spending bills.
In the Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations bill Rep. Slaughter secured $1,245,000, Rep. Arcuri secured $1,000,000, Rep. Lee secured $750,000, Rep. Maffei secured $1,000,000, and Rep. Tonko secured $600,000 for a total of $4,595,000.
BACKGROUND ON THE BENEFITS OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL
The development of a new high-speed rail line in Upstate New York offers many potential benefits.
With improved service reliability, frequency, and reduced travel time, it is anticipated that a new high-speed rail line would create new ridership markets directly benefiting Upstate New York’s universities, technical centers, tourist destinations, and economy.
Importantly, it will improve the Empire Corridor business climate, including a reduction in business-related costs and increased attractiveness of Upstate urban regions for business development.
Lastly, rail improvements have potential energy and air quality benefits over car and air travel. A new high-speed rail route will reduce the volume of interstate highway traffic by millions of trips annually, helping to alleviate congestion and improve air quality. What’s more, millions of gallons of gasoline would be saved annually.
Congressman Dan Maffei's website
Reps. Maffei, Slaughter, Arcuri, Lee, and Tonko today announced the approval of $4,595,000 in federal funding that will be used to help improve track and set the stage for the creation of a high-speed rail line between Buffalo and Albany with stops in Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica.
The funds will be used to improve grade crossing safety and to facilitate high-speed rail along the Empire West Corridor. Work will include reconfiguration to enhance safety, including improvements to existing warning devices and the installation of channelization devices. These projects will enable improved speeds throughout the corridor, thereby reducing travel times and increasing on-time service.
Rep. Dan Maffei said:
Bringing high-speed rail to Upstate New York would be the 21st century equivalent of the Erie Canal. This step is critical to making that dream a reality. I want to thank the rest of the Upstate delegation for their tireless advocacy to secure funding for this project. We will benefit directly from $1 million secured for my district in this legislation, and I will continue to fight for high-tech jobs, economic development, and better transportation for my constituents.Rep. Louise Slaughter said: “The development of a high-speed rail line in Upstate New York will not only address our lack of transportation options but create good jobs and boost economic activity across the region. These keys funds mark a down payment on our push to bring high-speed rail to Upstate New York. I am proud to join with my colleagues in this endeavor.”
Rep. Mike Arcuri said: “These funds put us on the right track toward achieving high-speed rail across Upstate New York. Today’s announcement is a perfect example of the success Upstate New York can enjoy when we work together – Republicans and Democrats – to put economic and infrastructure development for our region above all else. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on high-speed rail so far, and look forward continuing the fight for Upstate New York in the future.”
The funds were approved by a House Transportation Subcommittee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. It is anticipated that the funds will be approved by the full House Appropriations Committee on Friday and the House of Representatives shortly thereafter.
Rep. Chris Lee said: “High-speed rail presents a great opportunity for advancing the long-term economic development of Western New York, and this is certainly a good first step in ensuring this project gets off the ground quickly and efficiently. Thanks to our delegation’s bipartisan efforts, New York’s high speed rail plan is getting the attention it deserves.”
The development of an Upstate New York high-speed rail line is a foremost priority of the Upstate New York Caucus, founded by Rep. Slaughter in January 2009 and joined by all the Members of the House representing Upstate districts.
Rep. Paul Tonko said: “These funds will improve the speed, safety and reliability of our current system and lay the groundwork for high-speed rail, which brings the promise of economic revitalization to the towns and cities of Upstate New York. Providing an efficient transportation option for commuters and businesses will help lead us toward a cleaner, greener, future and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make high-speed rail a reality for New York.”
The development of an Upstate New York high-speed rail line calls for the construction of an additional track along existing rail lines between Buffalo and Albany on which trains could reach speeds of 110mph and eventually 150mph. The New York State Department of Transportation has estimated that a high-speed rail line between Buffalo and Albany can be constructed within three to five years at a cost of $3 to $5 billion.
In addition to the funds announced today, key members of the Upstate Congressional delegation are pursuing funding allotted to high-speed rail in the recently enacted economic recovery package as well as in additional upcoming federal spending bills.
In the Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations bill Rep. Slaughter secured $1,245,000, Rep. Arcuri secured $1,000,000, Rep. Lee secured $750,000, Rep. Maffei secured $1,000,000, and Rep. Tonko secured $600,000 for a total of $4,595,000.
BACKGROUND ON THE BENEFITS OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL
The development of a new high-speed rail line in Upstate New York offers many potential benefits.
With improved service reliability, frequency, and reduced travel time, it is anticipated that a new high-speed rail line would create new ridership markets directly benefiting Upstate New York’s universities, technical centers, tourist destinations, and economy.
Importantly, it will improve the Empire Corridor business climate, including a reduction in business-related costs and increased attractiveness of Upstate urban regions for business development.
Lastly, rail improvements have potential energy and air quality benefits over car and air travel. A new high-speed rail route will reduce the volume of interstate highway traffic by millions of trips annually, helping to alleviate congestion and improve air quality. What’s more, millions of gallons of gasoline would be saved annually.
Congressman Dan Maffei's website
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Gil Burgess Said,
All the favorable things said about these trains are true, BUT, there is still a piece missing if people from Wayne, Ontario, Seneca & Cayuga Counties have to drive to Rochester or Syracuse to catch a train!!! There should be s station centrally located for these travellers!
Posted on Wed Jul 15, 10:39:00 PM EDT
Seth C. Burgess Said,
The 8 July 2009 edition of the Wayne County Star references Wayne County Planning Director Sharon Lilla as having said (regarding an Amtrak station in Wayne County):
"a Lyons stop also has the support of Congressman Dan Maffei, who sees it co-existing with high speed passenger rail that is under consideration as part of the federal economic stimulus package."
Amtrak Station Back on Track?
Posted on Wed Jul 15, 11:03:00 PM EDT
John M. Zornow Said,
The Erie Canal created communities where there were swamps and forests and sparked new growth in already existing villages that were on its route.
High speed rail will hopefully give travelers a lower cost option from using automobiles and air. But as we do now, we will have to travel to Rochester/Syracuse to use the system.
How will folks get to Rochester/Syracuse to board the high speed rail? That may be what affects us the most. Time to build that long awaited Amtrak station in Lyons, or somewhere in Wayne County.
JZ.
Posted on Thu Jul 16, 10:18:00 AM EDT