$111.1MM Investment in New York Port and Freight Rail Infrastructure

Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
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ALBANY, N.Y. – The $111.1 million investment comes from New York’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRAP) and will go toward 38 projects.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $111.1 million investment in New York’s port and freight rail infrastructure. The amount is the largest awarded under the state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRAP). The funding will go toward 38 different projects to 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.” It will enhance safety and resiliency of freight corridors and support combating climate change by using zero-emission equipment and reducing traffic congestion. 

PFRAP is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, and it invests in the “safe movement of freight goods.” The state funding of $111.1 million “leverages an additional $20.5 million in private funding” for projects across the state. 

The 38 projects are spread throughout every region of the state and 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.” $9 million will go to the Albany Port District Commission to upgrade infrastructure. $5.5 million will go to increasing capacity along the Fremont Industrial Track in New York City, and $4 million will go toward rehabilitating grade crossing and bridges in Watkins Glen. $1.8 million will go toward an electric rail car mover for the Port of Oswego.

Projects were selected through a “competitive solicitation process” and were then rated 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.” Below is a PDF of the projects selected:

Governor Hochul said, “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. . . 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.”

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.”

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