New York state awards more than $27 million for passenger and freight rail improvements
The state of New York has awarded $27.1 million from the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to help fund rail and port improvement projects.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the program supports projects that strengthen infrastructure and economic development vital to the movements of goods throughout the state.
"New York's rail and port infrastructure is critical to local economies across the state, and these grants will not only support existing commercial activities but to help attract new business investments as well," Gov. Cuomo said. "With these improvements, we can keep these economic engines running, and ensure safe and efficient travel for both passenger and freight customers statewide."
Most of the funds were awarded to small railroads, known as shortline railroads, to perform yard and track maintenance. Three passenger rail related projects will benefit from the funds: Long Island Rail Road will receive $2.8 million to rehabilitate the Union Turnpike bridge; the New York City Department of Small Business Services will receive $3.5 million for rehabilitation of the Arthur Kill Lift Bridge and Central New York Regional Transportation Authority will receive $0.6 million for William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center Platform Rehabilitation.
"We're investing in infrastructure improvements to continue to strengthen communities across the state," said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. "These grants will fund railroad bridge repairs and rehabilitate tracks to increase commercial transportation, support new business, and boost the local economy.”
This round of grants will rehabilitate a total of 14 bridges, 26 grade crossings and More than 32 miles of track and facilities.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
