New York awards $101 million for freight rail upgrades

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced over $101 million in state funding. The money will support 25 projects across New York. The investment will modernize freight lines and port facilities under the state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program.

The projects focus on track and bridge rehabilitation. They also include capacity expansion and procurement of cleaner rail equipment. Additionally, they cover modernization of rail infrastructure in freight yards and at seaport facilities.

Climate and economy

“New York’s freight rail network is vital to our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments represent a downpayment on a greener, safer and more productive state.” The initiative supports the state’s agenda to combat climate change. It does this by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

Key projects include $1.7 million to connect a grain facility to the Finger Lakes Railway in Waterloo. Another $4.6 million will fund bridge and track rehabilitation on the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad. The New York City Department of Small Business Services has received two $10 million awards. The Long Island Rail Road has also received two $10 million awards.

Competitive selection

The New York State Department of Transportation administers the program. Winning projects were selected through a competitive process. Selection criteria included benefit cost analysis and regional economic development plans. Safety enhancements and climate risk reduction were also considered.

“Freight rail and port infrastructure is critical to New York’s global footprint,” said State Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. It provides cost-effective solutions to getting goods to market quickly and efficiently.

Selected Projects

Finger Lakes Region

• $1.7 million to connect a grain facility to the Finger Lakes Railway in Waterloo

Western New York

• $4.6 million for bridge and track rehabilitation on the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad
• $3.2 million to establish direct rail access to the South Buffalo Railroad at the UFP facility in Lackawanna

Mohawk Valley

• $1.6 million to enhance rail infrastructure in Sangerfield for improved access to local and international markets

New York City

• $10 million to build a fully electrified maritime hub in Hunts Point
• $10 million to rehabilitate Pier 10 to support the Red Hook Container Terminal
• $10 million for upgrades to the Fresh Pond Yard bridges
• $10 million for English Kills bridges upgrades