The state of New York is accepting applications for mor than $101.8 million in funding for rail and port infrastructure projects across the state, officials said Monday.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program will accept applications for rail and port projects through April 7. The project will help boost the state’s trade corridors and position it as a global commerce destination while enhancing safety, officials said.
“New York State is committed to investing in our rail network to ensure that the raw materials and products that fuel so much of our economy continue to get where they need to go safely and as efficiently as possible,” Hochul said. “This funding will help us further modernize our rail infrastructure, allowing our local businesses to get the products they need when they need them. I urge anyone with qualifying projects to apply and help us invest in the future economic well-being of our state.”
The Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program is funded by the New York State Department of Transportation and will provide the grants through a competitive process. Eligible projects include infrastructure investments like track and bridge rehabilitation; yard, terminal and siding; clearance obstruction elimination; wharf, dock and bulkhead construction and reconstruction; dredging; mat-grade crossing railroad crossing resurface construction; and other projects that enhance safety, economic competitiveness and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Officials said previous awards have funded the purchase of low-emission locomotives; track improvements across the state; and the rehabilitation of rail bridges.
“Moving freight by rail is good for the economy and good for the environment,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that our rail infrastructure in New York State works as efficiently and seamlessly as possible and these funds will help invest in projects that do just that.”