Nozzolio Appointed To High Speed Rail Task Force

Albany—State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) announced that he has been appointed to the Senate Task Force on High Speed Rail, a panel that will study the best way to link New York’s cities with high-speed trains. High Speed trains would dramatically reduce travel time in New York State, stimulating new employment and firmly reestablishing New York’s place as a national transportation innovator and technology leader.

“It is an honor to be given the important responsibility of serving on the Senate’s Task Force on High Speed Rail,” said Senator Nozzolio. “High Speed Rail has the potential to be a major key to successful economic development and job creation in our region.”

The Task Force will review a feasibility study on a high speed rail system, ultimately linking Buffalo-Albany-New York City and Montreal-Albany-New York City; estimate its total cost and marketability; and begin planning, so that high speed rail recommendations could be part of next year’s State Budget.

The Task Force will receive input from an advisory board which will be created to represent the groups and interests impacted by the high speed rail project, including: local, regional and state transportation organizations and experts, government officials, economic development interests, passenger advocates, railroad industry representatives, academics and others. The study, comments and recommendations will be completed and submitted to the Task Force by the end of the year.

Senator Nozzolio, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, has been extremely active in transportation projects in the Finger Lakes region, including securing $1 million in state funding for a rail station in Lyons. The Lyons Rail Station serves residents of the Finger Lakes region as well as the thousands of visitors who come to the region each year.

“A High Speed Rail connection across Upstate New York will help to enhance tourism and stimulate our economy to create jobs and provide our residents, visitors and businesses with a new connection to the world,” concluded Senator Nozzolio.