U. S. DOT Provides $727,000 for Buffalo Station Improvements

ALBANY, NY (07/30/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released $727,000 in funding to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for the rehabilitation of the Buffalo-Depew railroad station in Western New York's Erie County. The grant represents the second installment payment to New York State, bringing the total to $1.7 million of the $151 million it has awarded the state for seven projects to improve intercity passenger rail service from New York City west to Niagara Falls, and north to Montreal, and modernize rail stations in Rochester and Buffalo. The grants are administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

"This grant is part of the larger USDOT program that is helping New York State jumpstart our passenger rail initiative and create jobs," Governor Paterson said. "New York's Congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, should be commended for helping to secure funding for this project and others that are on the way. With this funding, the State Department of Transportation will be able to continue its actions to expand high-speed intercity passenger rail service to the western region of New York State, even during this period of fiscal constraint."

The funding, part of the $151 million awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand high-speed intercity passenger rail across New York State, will be used to bring the Buffalo-Depew train station into a state of good repair and provide access that meets American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Work will include constructing access ramps and railings, improving the ticket counter area, designing and constructing ADA-compliant restrooms, station entrance ramps and signs, including a new passenger information display and public pay telephones.

"Through Governor Paterson's leadership and the support of our Congressional delegation, the USDOT and the FRA, we are able to make important investments toward developing New York's high-speed passenger rail service," State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said. "Rail is an affordable, reliable and energy efficient mode of transportation, and the expansion of high-speed passenger rail services will position the State for the future. We appreciate this funding and look forward to working with federal officials on future grants to further expand and improve New York State's passenger rail service."

"High-speed rail is the next revolution in transportation and New York is getting on board," said Congresswoman Louise Slaughter who formed and leads the Upstate Congressional Caucus which champions high-speed rail and was instrumental in funding coming to New York. "I'm pleased this funding is headed to the Buffalo-Depew station and will be even more pleased when that first high-speed rail train pulls into the station."

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