City, state, and federal officials recently joined with freight industry experts in unveiling a plan to modernize New York City’s distribution systems.
Architects of the $100 million plan, Freight NYC, said the endeavor involves strategic investments to upgrade maritime and rail assets while creating new distribution facilities, with ultimate goals of creating nearly 5,000 jobs for New Yorkers and a more sustainable and resilient supply chain network.
“Our City depends on crucial but aging marine, rail and highway infrastructure and relies upon trucks to move nearly 90 percent of freight,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “As the City’s population continues to grow and consumers increasingly demand near-instant deliveries, local freight volumes will grow an estimated 68 percent by 2045, further choking traffic and impeding commerce.”
Last year, traffic congestion cost the local economy $862 million, hurting local businesses and impeding commerce. Through Freight NYC, however, collaborators are acting to protect the environment, traffic systems, and regional economy in the decades to come.
“Freight NYC is an investment in our city’s future,” de Blasio said. “By modernizing our approach to shipping, we will create thousands of good-paying jobs while keeping our streets safer and cleaner.”
Officials noted Freight NYC leverages key strategies to modernize and strengthen the City’s freight distribution industry by investing in multimodal infrastructure, creating new freight distribution hubs and promoting the use of clean trucks while reinforcing 2015 Clean Fleet Goals.
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) said, in addition to bolstering local businesses, it would also improve the environment.
“Put simply, the more freight that can move by water and rail, the fewer vehicle miles traveled by trucks on our roads and bridges,” she said. “The outline will help meet the needs of a cleaner and stronger New York. I am proud to support the Mayor in this effort and will continue championing federal dollars to further integrate New York into our nation’s marine highway.”