Governor Paterson Delivers Remarks at 2010 High Speed Rail Conference

Governor David A. Paterson today delivered remarks to the 2010 High Speed Rail Conference in New York City. This is the first time that the High Speed Rail Conference has been held in New York State. The Governor used the opportunity to highlight some of the many investments made to New York's high speed rail infrastructure in recent years.

"Fast, reliable and environmentally sound travel is an essential investment in our State's economic future and I am pleased to say we are on the right track," Governor Paterson said. "High speed rail is coming to New York, because we along with our Federal partners recognize that retrenchment of our transportation infrastructure goals is not an option. I thank the Federal government and our private partners for working with us to help bring high speed rail to the Empire State and I commend the United States High Speed Rail Association for selecting New York to host their 2010 conference."

The Governor also joined Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo in calling for Federal rail funding returned by other states to be sent to New York.

"I applaud Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo for reaching out to the Federal government on this important issue and I join him in requesting that Federal rail funding rejected by other states be put to work in New York. We have made transportation infrastructure a centerpiece strategy for revitalizing our State's economy, creating jobs, and attracting 21st century industry and this critical funding would go a long way in furthering those goals," the Governor added.

Governor Paterson recently signed into law legislation establishing the New York State High Speed Rail Planning Board. During the ceremonial bill signing, the Governor announced a $2.5 million discretionary grant for a high speed rail (HSR) related facility in Niagara Falls. The new HSR facility will help ensure better maintained and cleaner equipment, safer inspections, reduced noise and emissions, and improved water quality. Additionally, the project will evaluate options for a facility close to the new station to assist with storage and light maintenance of trains which stay overnight in Niagara Falls and will also examine high tech equipment for monitoring and inspecting passenger trains.

This past October, Governor Paterson announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded New York $28.5 million in funding under the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program for three projects across the State. The grant funds will be used to ease congestion and improve reliability of service along the Empire Corridor through the Syracuse area by building additional track, switches, and signals. Funds will also be used to increase reliability between Albany and New York City, by modernizing signals and advance necessary engineering and environmental work for the future replacement of the Livingston Avenue Bridge over the Hudson River between Rensselaer and Albany.

In June, the Governor convened the New York State Summit on Rail Transportation in Albany to bring high speed rail manufacturing jobs to New York. Last year, Governor Paterson released the 2009 New York State Rail Plan, the first comprehensive update of the State's rail strategy in 22 years and a prerequisite for future Federal funding for rail capital improvement projects. Also last year, the FRA awarded New York State $151 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for high-speed intercity passenger rail improvements.

Focused investments and improvements to New York's intercity high speed passenger and freight rail system will help promote the State's long-term economic recovery and protect the environment by reducing energy use, emissions and congestion on State highways and runways.

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