Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a historic $111.1 million investment in New York’s port and freight rail infrastructure. The funding, the largest amount ever awarded under the state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, will fund nearly 40 projects that will help modernize key freight lines and port facilities, allowing them to remain competitive in the global economy and fueling job creation in every region of the state. These investments will enhance the safety and resiliency of these vital freight corridors, while also supporting New York’s nation-leading agenda to combat climate change by facilitating greater use of zero-emission equipment and reducing truck traffic and congestion.
“New York’s ports and freight rail networks are vital to the state’s economic well-being and these historic investments will ensure that they remain globally competitive,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will upgrade important parts of our transportation infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, reduce pollution, and fuel the economic engines that power our state."
Funding announced today will support 38 projects in every region of the state and will include track and bridge rehabilitation, capacity expansion, procurement of cleaner rail equipment, and the modernization and expansion of rail infrastructure in freight yards and at seaport facilities. Projects include $9 million to help the Albany Port District Commission upgrade its infrastructure to meet the increasing needs of heavier cargo; $5.5 million to increase capacity along the Fremont Industrial Track in New York City; $4 million to rehabilitate grade crossings and bridges in the vicinity of Watkins Glen; and $1.8 million for the Port of Oswego to reduce its carbon footprint by obtaining an electric rail car mover.
See full list of winning projects here.
These investments also help advance New York's climate goals as freight rail has proven to be one of the most fuel-efficient methods for moving commerce. A single freight rail train removes several hundred trucks from our roadways, mitigating congestion and harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
The Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRAP) is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and supports investments that enhance the safe movement of freight goods, improves service reliability to retain and grow manufacturing jobs, and supports economic development, especially upstate. The $111.1 million in state funding leverages an additional $20.5 million in private funding for these projects across the state which are essential to maintaining safety and keeping New York railroads competitive in a changing global economy.
Winning projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include a benefit cost analysis, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety enhancements, compatibility with other private and public investments, and actions that enhance resilience and reduce climate risk.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making critically important investments that will keep our economy competitive and our environment cleaner and greener for this generation and for generations to come. These investments will build on our historic efforts to create a more resilient and sustainable transportation system by modernizing our rail and port infrastructure to ensure that goods get where they need to go safely and with less harm to the environment. I thank Governor Hochul for this historic investment and her commitment to reinforcing our state’s freight rail and port infrastructure and congratulate all the grant recipients.”
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, "This funding is yet another example of New York's commitment to strengthening our infrastructure and prioritizing the safety of our transportation networks. By enhancing and modernizing our freight rail, we're simultaneously investing in the efficiency of our local and statewide economies and maintaining the supply chains that make them healthy and dynamic."
Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli said, “Investing in freight rail and port infrastructure allows growth and increased economic activity across New York State. The $14 million dedicated to Central New York Regions will allow for improvements to our railways, meeting the ever-changing infrastructure, technology, security and safety standards of today.”