The Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT). Winning projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria, including a benefit cost analysis, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety enhancements, compatibility with other private and public investments, and actions that enhance resilience and reduce climate risk, according to the New York Governor’s Office, which announced the available funding on Jan. 6. Previous awards have funded the purchase of low-emission locomotives and other equipment, track improvements and bridge rehabilitations across the state, including a project to rehabilitate 15 miles of the Voorheesville Running Track in Albany County; the rehabilitation of a rail bridge over the Delaware River; and a project to mitigate congestion and increase capacity along the Fremont Industrial track in Queens.
Eligible project activities include track and bridge rehabilitation; yard, terminal and siding construction; elimination of clearance obstructions; wharf, dock and bulkhead construction and reconstruction; dredging; at-grade crossing railroad crossing resurfacing; material handling equipment storage facilities; wayside detectors; and other projects that enhance the safe movement of goods, economic competitiveness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Program guidance and application materials can be found on the New York State DOT website.
“Moving freight by rail is good for the economy and good for the environment,” New York State DOT 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.”
