New York to receive federal funds for double tracking from Schenectady to Albany

Congressman Paul Tonko recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $151 million in funding for high speed rail in upstate New York, which comes on the back of over $4.5 million in the FY 2010 Transportation Appropriations bill. This funding will include construction of a second track along the rail corridor between the Schenectady and Albany-Rensselaer train stations. Combined, these investments will better the local economy and improve trip time for more than 56 weekly passenger trains and over 350 weekly cargo trains.

"This will help our economic development efforts by improving rail service, reliability and creating future opportunities for high-speed rail service," said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

“These investments are welcomed news in the Capital Region” said Congressman Tonko. “By investing in double tracking between Schenectady and Albany we can help develop the economy of downtown Schenectady, the only city in the region with a downtown train station, and improve trip time not only for those in the region but for travel across Upstate New York. I want to thank the Upstate New York delegation, led by Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, for working hard to deliver this investment to help revitalize our Upstate economy.” Click here for Congressman Tonko's complete release.

“This is great news for New York,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “Building high-speed rail here will connect more commuters and businesses, create jobs immediately and help rebuild our economy for the long term. We’ve worked hard for a long time to bring high-speed rail to New York. This round of funding is just the first step in our efforts to secure what New York needs to achieve true high-speed rail connectivity. I will keep fighting to make sure New York gets more high speed rail funding in future rounds.”