New York makes $27.9 million available for rail and port projects

NYSDOT

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sept. 14 that $27.9 million in state funding is now available to go toward initiatives to maintain and improve rail and port services in major trade and passenger travel corridors.

“This funding will improve rail safety and reduce transportation congestion on our roads, bolstering economic competitiveness and encouraging future growth,” Gov. Cuomo said. “These investments in infrastructure will help make a stronger, greener New York that is built to lead.”

The New York State Department of Transportation is accepting applications for funding through Nov. 4, 2016. The allocated funding is part of New York’s $21.1 billion five-year State Transportation Plan announced in April 2016 and is outlined within Gov. Cuomo’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program (PFRA), officials say.

The PFRA Program offers financial aid to rail and port projects that are meant to improve safety measures, relieve traffic congestion, raise operating capacity and foster economic development and increased competitiveness in the region.

Recipients of PFRA Program funding are chosen through a solicitation process and must meet criteria such as completing a cost-benefit analysis, complying with regional economic development plans and compatibility with coexisting private and public investments.

“Projects that improve economic competitiveness, provide alternatives to truck transportation; and improve air quality are sound investments,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll. “This program will improve rail safety, increase freight capacity and support job creation.”

Project activities that may be eligible to receive funding include track and bridge rehabilitation, yard, terminal and siding construction, the elimination of clearance obstructions, wharf, dock and bulkhead construction and dredging. 

Program guidance and applications can be found at: https://www.dot.ny.gov/railgrants.