A local railway project is getting some federal dollars to help improve railroad safety and efficiency in the Finger Lakes.
Almost $3.9 million has been awarded to the Finger Lakes Railway Corporation for its proposed project in Rock Stream. The project will improve safety, capacity, and reliability by making needed improvements to its Himrod Line, which provides a gateway to the national rail system and global markets for New York’s salt industry. Finger Lakes Railway will provide a 20-percent non-Federal match.
The federal funding was secured by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. The funding was allocated through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and will be used to make significant improvements to passenger and freight railways in both Central New York and the Finger Lakes region.
“All aboard for better rail infrastructure across Upstate NY! Over $23 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is coming down the track to improve safety and efficiency of rail lines from Central NY to the Finger Lakes. Short line railroads that are vital connectors across Upstate New York will be able to make long overdue investments in infrastructure to ensure our railroads are safer and more resilient so both passengers and goods can get where they need to go on time,” said Senator Schumer. “Upstate NY has long been a hub for freight rail activity and this funding will help ensure communities from Oneida to Yates County have the 21st century rail network they need to move our local economies full steam ahead.”
“Millions of New Yorkers rely on our railways for daily transportation, long-distance travel, and freight service needs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of these critical rail systems, and I’m proud to announce this important investment for rail infrastructure made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
