Funding for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s passenger and freight rail assistance program was included in the New York State Department of Transportation’s $29 billion, five-year state-transportation plan.
The program provides support for rail and port projects that enhance safety, alleviate congestion, increase operating capacity, facilitate regional economic development and increase competitiveness, Cuomo’s office contended in a news release issued Wednesday.
Previous grant awards included $2.1 million to the Port of Oswego Authority to construct additional rail tracks and expand cargo handling facilities. They also included a $1.18 million award for the Mohawk, Adirondack & Northern Railroad Corp. in Oneida and Lewis counties to expand the rail-to-truck transload facility in Utica and rehabilitate the rail line to Lyons Falls.
New York State last year awarded $25 million to 19 applicants for rail and port improvement projects across the state. The investments supported track rehabilitation, capacity expansion, railroad-bridge repairs, and economic-development opportunities, Cuomo’s office said. An additional $5.4 million in private and local funding was leveraged through this initiative.
New York will select projects for funding awards through a “competitive solicitation process” and rate them based on “established criteria,” the release stated.
They include a benefit-cost analysis, adherence to regional economic-development plans, and compatibility with other private and public investments, Cuomo’s office said.
Eligible project activities include: track and bridge rehabilitation; yard, terminal and siding construction; elimination of clearance obstructions; wharf, dock and bulkhead construction; dredging; and other projects that enhance economic competitiveness.
The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through April 27. Those interested can find program guidance and applications at www.dot.ny.gov/railgrants.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
Photo credit: Port of Oswego Authority website