Senator Gillibrand Declares High Speed Rail In New York One Of Her Top Priorities

High speed rail is a critical infrastructure and economic development investment that will help revitalize the Upstate economy. Schenectady stands to reap major economic rewards from any major investment as a part of any high speed rail connecting Buffalo to Albany and New York City will run through Schenectady and bring tourism and other economic development opportunities.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “I am pleased that President Obama is committed developing high-speed rail. Other countries have known the benefits that high speed rail brings – it is time the U.S. pledges to modernize our rail infrastructure. President Obama included $5 billion dollars in his budget toward the development of high speed rail corridors over the next five years. That is on top of the $8 billion secured as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds are vital to making high speed rail a reality in New York.

“High-speed rail is one of my top priorities for Upstate New York. It is a key component of our economic development and will spur job growth across New York. The development of high-speed rail will create an economic development engine in Upstate New York for decades. High-speed rail development means immediate job creation in construction and local suppliers. There are long-term economic development opportunities in business growth and increased tourism.

“I will work with President Obama, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to see high speed rail development in New York State.”

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