GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES FIRST STATEWIDE RAIL PLAN IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES
Rail Plan is a Critical First Step for Federal Funding for Passenger and Freight Rail Improvements
Rail Improvements will Increase Speed and Reliability, Help Protect the Environment
Governor David A. Paterson and New York
State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C.
Glynn today announced the release of the 2009 New York State Rail Plan,
providing the first comprehensive update of the State’s rail strategy
in 22 years and fulfilling a prerequisite for federal funding for rail
capital improvement projects. The announcement was made at the Capital
District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) Rensselaer train station.
“Rail transportation is critical to
efficiently moving people and goods throughout New York State,”
Governor David A. Paterson said. “With the 2009 New York State Rail
Plan, we are charting a course for the future. We have prioritized
investments to improve intercity passenger rail service and strengthen
our freight rail system, while helping to promote the State’s economy
and protect the environment by reducing energy use, emissions and
congestion on our highways and runways.”
Commissioner Glynn said, “The State Rail
Plan provides a contemporary blueprint for managing and improving New
York’s railroad infrastructure, an integral part of our transportation
network of highways, bridges, transit systems, ports and airports. This
far-reaching plan outlines how to utilize existing resources most
efficiently and positions us to improve mobility and connectivity
across the State by creating a network that makes moving people and
goods on rail a truly viable alternative.”
The 2009 New York State Rail Plan spells
out a comprehensive strategy for supporting freight and intercity
passenger rail service. It calls for expanding freight rail usage and
increasing the speed and reliability of passenger rail service across
the State. Improved passenger and freight rail service supports energy
and environmental goals by moving people and goods more efficiently and
taking vehicles off congested roadways.
The Plan presents an inventory of freight
and passenger rail system infrastructure needs in New York State
totaling more than $10.7 billion during the next 20 years. The Plan
also presents trends in rail freight and passenger use and was the
focus of considerable public review, including a 45-day public comment
period and public workshops held last summer in Buffalo, Binghamton and
New York City.
The Plan outlines priorities for funding
consideration from the $9.3 billion dedicated for Intercity Rail in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the reauthorization of the
Federal Surface Transportation Act which is due October 1, 2009 and for
the development of the next State transportation plan, which will
succeed the current plan following the 2009-10 State Fiscal Year.
Specifically, it calls for:
Doubling the number of
intercity rail passengers along New York’s three major corridors: New
York City to Albany, Albany to Niagara Falls and Albany to Montreal, as
well as strategies to increase reliability on all three corridors;
Providing frequent
and convenient passenger rail service connecting cities across the
State as an energy and time-saving alternative to driving or flying,
helping to reduce congestion on highways and at airports. Rail plan
goals include:
Achieving on-time performance of at least 95 percent between Albany and New York City;
Improving rail
service between Albany and Niagara Falls, with connections in Utica,
Syracuse and Rochester. The Plan includes a Third Track Initiative,
which aims to establish a dedicated third track for high speed
passenger rail service across Upstate from Niagara Falls to Albany with
a potential for reducing the travel time by 2 hours or more;
Shortening the
travel time for rail service between Albany and Montreal. Currently,
trains take about eight hours to make that trip. The Plan’s goal is to
reduce that time to 6.5 hours; and
Establishing new
passenger service, where viable, such as between Saratoga and Albany,
Niagara Falls and Buffalo, and Binghamton and New York City;
Increasing freight rail usage by 25 percent to reduce growth of truck traffic and energy consumption;
Allowing modern freight cars to access the New York City metro area and Long Island along routes east of the Hudson River;
Adding at least three
new intermodal facilities/inland ports across the State to serve the
rapidly growing container segment of rail traffic, which will help
remove long-haul trucks from highways and deliver products to consumers
faster; and
Creating the first “green” short line fleet in the nation.
In addition to the Third Track Initiative,
the Plan identifies a number of rail infrastructure initiatives that
would strategically improve intercity passenger rail service across New
York State. Estimated to cost $671 million over the next five years,
these priority projects are expected to be eligible for federal funding
assistance. These rail infrastructure improvements would be implemented
in partnership with rail service providers.
In establishing goals for the future, New
York State’s 2009 Rail Plan makes clear the critical importance of a
strong federal partnership in support of modern, efficient rail
service. Historic federal legislation authorizing funding for intercity
passenger rail was approved last year, making a State rail plan a
condition of receiving federal rail funds. Since much of the rail
system in New York is privately owned, the Plan also highlights the
need for partnering with private railroads and other stakeholders to
make infrastructure improvements that will make rail travel more
attractive to consumers and the business community.
Rail service can be an important
contributor to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Rail
consumes less energy than most modes of long-distance travel and
reduces congestion and vehicle emissions as well. A single intermodal
freight train can carry hundreds of cargo containers, removing as many
as 280 trucks from roadways while using significantly less energy than
highway travel. Trains can move a ton of freight an average of 435
miles with each gallon of fuel. Furthermore, intercity passenger rail
uses 20 percent less energy per passenger mile traveled than
automobiles and 17 percent less than airline travel.
The Rail Plan is the product of
collaboration between public agencies, elected officials, planners,
Amtrak and New York’s privately owned freight railroads. This effort
included an extensive outreach program including daylong, interactive,
public workshops to obtain direct input and comments from
transportation advocacy organizations, rail industry stakeholders and
the public. This approach was aimed at maximizing the Plan’s benefits
for all New Yorkers and ensuring that proposed rail capital and service
improvements are consistent with public needs.
“New York State Rail Plan 2009, Strategies for a New Age,” is available at the NYSDOT web site at http://www.nysdot.gov/staterailplan. As part of NYSDOT’s commitment to environmental sustainability, electronic downloading of the plan is encouraged.
Additional quotes provided in support of the New York State Rail Plan:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said:
“From Albany to Rochester and from Poughkeepsie to Plattsburgh, we must
update and reinvent our rail network to unclog the transportation
arteries cutting off potential economic growth Upstate.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said:
“High-speed rail is one of my top priorities. It is a key component of
Upstate New York’s economic development and will spur job growth
throughout the State. The development of high-speed rail throughout New
York will create an economic development engine for decades. I look
forward to continuing my work to advance this vital goal with the Obama
Administration, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer, and the rest of the
New York Delegation.”
Congressman Michael A. Arcuri said: “I
applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to a comprehensive agenda,
especially one that acknowledges that we must simultaneously make
improvements to both passenger and freight rail in NYS in order to be
successful.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said:
“Development of New York’s rail line will provide this State with new
opportunities for connections that drive our economy. 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 a
shining example of a project that creates real jobs for real people
both in the short and long term.”
Congressman Chris Lee said: “I am pleased
to see that the Governor’s new Rail Plan recognizes that high-speed
rail presents a great opportunity for advancing the long-term economic
development of Western New York. At a meeting last week including
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and members of the Upstate
Congressional delegation, we came to a consensus on the need to move
this project forward with the goal to use the existing rail corridor
and hit initial top speeds of 110 miles per hour. That will cut two
hours off of current travel times. Experts who have analyzed our plan
believe the first segment of service can be open in two-to-three years,
with its full opening in three-to-five years.”
Congressman Daniel B. Maffei said: “We
must take the necessary steps to ensure the Empire Line is well
positioned to receive federal funds for high speed rail, and I am
committed to fighting in Washington to make sure this happens.
Investing in high speed rail now will create jobs, and in the long term
it will boost our economy by improving both commercial and passenger
rail service.”
Congressman Eric Massa said:
“Strengthening New York State's rail system is a key component of
strengthening our economy. I’ve been very vocal about my support for
upgrading our railways, and I thank Governor Paterson for helping move
this project forward. We passed the stimulus package to help Americans
get back to work while making critical investments in our aging
infrastructure. This kind of program is exactly why we passed this bill
and exactly why Governor Paterson is fighting so hard for our economy.”
Congressman John M. McHugh said: “I
commend Governor Paterson for releasing the first rail plan for our
State in over 20 years. I’m very pleased that this working document
notes many areas of possible investment throughout Central and Northern
New York, including the Adirondack corridor, which provides essential
service to many residents of the region. In addition, this plan is
vital to better enabling our State to compete for federal dollars for
investment in rail infrastructure, including a potential high speed
line between Buffalo and Albany. This project is an effort that has
been championed by my friend and colleague Congresswoman Louise
Slaughter and, if constructed, will spur job growth and help revitalize
our communities by providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally
friendly form of transportation. I will continue to work with my
Congressional partners on the Upstate Caucus to pursue all available
funding options for rail infrastructure and look forward to developing
plans to grow high speed service into Northern New York.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “Today’s
announcement of a State rail plan is truly historic. For decades, I
have worked on this issue and have long awaited a forward-looking and
comprehensive policy to guide and improve the region’s vast rail
network. This is big news for both passengers and freight, and it could
have a major, lasting effect on our economy. This rail plan will also
be instrumental in securing funding for New York through the federal
stimulus and upcoming transportation reauthorization bill.
Congratulations to Governor Paterson and Commissioner Glynn for their
timely leadership and vision.”
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said:
“This endeavor, supported by the recent enactment of the economic
recovery package, will not only address a serious lack of
transportation options particularly in Upstate New York, but also
create good jobs and boost economic activity across the State. I am
proud to join Governor Paterson, my colleagues in Congress, and State
and local officials on this project to move New York forward.”
Congressman Paul D. Tonko said: “New
York’s Rail Plan is the critical first step toward the improvements
that will make rail a more attractive option for moving freight and for
commuting. A fast and reliable rail system opens up new economic
opportunities across New York State and is an important part of an
energy strategy because it takes cars and trucks off the roads,
reducing congestion, pollution and saving fuel.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas P.
DiNapoli said: “When it comes to high-speed rail, the rest of the world
is miles down the track, Governor Paterson’s plan will help New York
catch up. High-speed rail is the kind of infrastructure investment that
New York needs to bring back the economic and bring back jobs.”
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith
said: “The 2009 New York State Rail Plan is a roadmap for a new
economy, one that will drive the engine of economic development and
enhanced intercity rail service to communities struggling through the
economic crisis. I thank the members of our Congressional delegation
for fighting to ensure that money for high speed rail was included in
the federal stimulus package and applaud Governor Paterson and
Commissioner Glynn for taking the necessary first steps to move our
economy forward by improving our means of transporting passengers and
freight in a manner that is as good for the economy as it is for the
environment. Coupled with a federal funding assistance, today’s
announcement represents the foundation of the statewide economic
development we need to bring cities together and restore our standing
as the Empire State.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “New
York’s rail system faces tremendous challenges. An aging infrastructure
and major capacity issues affect the safety and reliability of one of
the nation’s largest rail systems. This plan comes at a critical time
and places our State in a solid position to take advantage of federal
funding intended to improve transportation infrastructure.”
State Senator Martin Malave Dilan said:
“What we have here today is a truly comprehensive rail plan that will
lead us to a bright future for New York. I want to commend Commissioner
Glynn and Governor Paterson for addressing the needs of the entire
State, by seeking to improve and encourage the movement of passengers
and freight throughout all regions of this great State. I believe rail
is the most efficient and sustainable method for us to achieve the goal
of interconnecting all of our cities as we move closer to becoming One
New York.”
State Senator Antoine Thompson said: “I
want to thank Governor Paterson and the New York State Department of
Transportation for proposing this statewide Rail Plan. Not only will
energy and emissions be greatly reduced but congestion on our highways
will be as well. Goods and services, as well as passengers, will also
be transported faster and more efficiently. This Plan is just another
step in working towards a greener New York.”
State Senator David J. Valesky said: “For
Upstate New York, high-speed rail holds the promise of a truly
transformative project, creating jobs and changing the economic
dynamics of our State the way that the Erie Canal did more than a
century ago. I am pleased to join the Governor, members of Congress,
and my colleagues in the State Senate and Assembly as we work to move
this project forward, taking a major step toward a renewed, strong
Upstate economy.”
State Senator William Stachowski said: “I
think high speed rail can serve as another important tool in the effort
to grow the Upstate economy.”
Assemblyman David F. Gantt said: “The
launching of this plan is great news for our State. Improving New
York’s extensive rail system is vitally important to economic
development efforts in every region of our State. This long-term Rail
Plan recognizes the tremendous importance of our rail system and takes
the necessary steps to ensure its viability.”
Executive Director of Environmental
Advocates of New York said: “Common sense improvements to New York’s
underutilized rail system will move freight and passengers faster and
cheaper while reducing the State’s considerable contributions to global
warming pollution. About one-third of New York’s share of climate
pollution comes from moving people and products along our highways and
roads. Governor Paterson deserves credit for seizing the opportunity to
lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution by providing more
efficient and reliable rail service.”
President of the Empire State Passengers
Association (ESPA) Bruce B. Becker said: “On behalf of the rail
travelers of our State, the Empire State Passengers Association is very
pleased to have contributed to the development of this historic and
critical plan. With the recent overwhelming, broad-based support and
focus on higher-speed, reliable passenger rail service being a vital
key to the State’s economic renewal and renaissance, we applaud the
Governor for his leadership and thank the Department of Transportation
for their hard work in crafting a clear and realistic blue print for
future passenger rail improvements, which will benefit all New Yorkers
in the years to come.”
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