O’Mara: New Alstom contract another 'foundation of manufacturing' for Southern Tier (UPDATED, August 27th)

Hornell, N.Y., August 26—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) applauded today’s announcement that the long-awaited new contract has been finalized for Alstom Transportation Inc. to manufacture the next generation of high-speed trains as part of Amtrak’s $2.5-billion program to build its next fleet, a contract that’s expected to create over 750 manufacturing jobs including 400 directly at Alstom’s Hornell facility.

O’Mara, a member of the State Senate  Transportation Committee, said, “The fact that the new Alstom-Amtrak contract has been signed, sealed and delivered is cause for celebration in Hornell and across the Southern Tier. The creation of 400 manufacturing jobs at Alstom simply can’t be overstated.  It’s vitally important to the Southern Tier economy, for Alstom’s workers and their families, and to the entire Hornell area. It represents another, timely foundation of manufacturing on which we can continue to build job growth in Steuben County, across the region and throughout Upstate New York.  It speaks volumes about the quality of Alstom and its local workforce.  Together with many other local leaders, I appreciate the perseverance of Alstom officials, Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Mayor Hogan, Hornell IDA Executive Director Jim Griffin and so many others.  Simply put, this job creation contract makes a huge difference for the future of economic development across the region.”

The announcement of the final contract was made today by Vice President Joe Biden at a news conference in Wilmington, Delaware, the vice president’s home state.

Read the Alstom news release, "Alstom to provide Amtrak with its new generation of high-speed train"

[UPDATE, August 27: Read and watch more from:

The Evening Tribune, "Biden hails Amtrak upgrades headed to Hornell Alstom"

The Leader, "Alstom, Amtrak settle contract"

Star-Gazette, "Alstom clinches deal with Amtrak"

AM 1480 WLEA, "O’Mara And Palmesano On Alstom/Amtrak Deal"

WETM-TV, "Neighbors, Hornell Officials React to Alstom, Amtrak Deal"

The finalized contract will create approximately 400 jobs in Hornell as well as potentially an additional 350 or more across the upstate region.  Alstom employs over 1,000 people throughout upstate New York and is expanding.  Alstom facilities, particularly in Hornell, have delivered steam, diesel-electric, electric, and high-speed rail technology, including more than 7,000 transit vehicles, to customers throughout the nation.

The Evening Tribune in Hornell reported last night that the Alstom-Amtrak contract had been finalized.

Read last night's story, "Biden will announce Alstom-Amtrak deal"