News from New York State Department of Transportation

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Glynn Announces Second Buffalo Workshop On Draft Rail Plan

July 8 Session to Provide for Additional Western New York Input into Statewide Proposal

ALBANY, NY (07/03/2008; 1526)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today announced a second workshop will be held July 8 in Buffalo to discuss NYSDOT's "working draft" rail plan aimed at meeting the state's future passenger and freight service needs.

Citing the "great success" of the first workshop on June 18, Commissioner Glynn said that despite the short lead time for that forum, the fact that 50 participants attended made it clear to the department that a second session to allow more input from Western New Yorkers would be appropriate.

"The enthusiastic turnout at the first workshop showed there is great interest in the working draft plan in this region, and it's worth going back to allow more voices to be heard on the state's first blueprint for passenger and freight rail service in 22 years," Commissioner Glynn said.

As at the first workshop, the focus will be on a working draft plan that will enable the state to meet the passenger travel demands, freight shipping needs and challenges of responding responsibly and effectively to climate change confronting both today's New Yorkers and future generations.

The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the state's vision, goals and objectives for rail and input on proposed strategies that will be used to prepare the final plan, due later this year.

The draft 2008 New York State Rail Lane is available on the NYSDOT Web site at http://www.nysdot.gov/2008draftrailplan

The second Buffalo workshop, which Commissioner Glynn is expected to participate in, will take place at Erie County Community College, City Campus, in the Atrium, 121 Ellicott Street, from 1 to 5 p.m.

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