Senator Golden Announces New York State's Commitment Of $500,000 For Nyc Harbor Rail Repairs

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) announced today that Governor George E. Pataki has committed $500,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding to make improvements to the last remaining "train-ferry" operation in New York City. New York Cross Harbor Railroad (NYCHR), operator of the ferry facilities located at Bush Terminal Yard in Brooklyn, carries more than 8,000 rail cars and cargo across the harbor between Brooklyn and New Jersey each year.

Senator Marty Golden stated, "I applaud Governor George Pataki for this allocation to improve NYC’s harbor rails which is vital to the economic growth here in Brooklyn and all of New York. The improved rail system will expedite the transportation of freight.

Golden continued, "New York City is a hub of shipping activity and strengthening the means of transporting goods to other regions of the State and country can only fortify a sound economic climate. Enhancing the ability of companies like the New York Cross Harbor Railroad to deliver goods will keep business operations competitive, which will be a great benefit to consumers, to motorists and to the quality of life of all."

The New York Cross Harbor Railroad will use the $500,000 in new multi-modal funding to modernize its "float bridge" - a floating bridge supported by barge-like pontoons - where barges dock to load and unload rail freight cars. Future improvements could include replacing the bridge pontoon, reconstructing the deck and replacing barge moorings.

The company mainly transports garbage containers, freight cars containing recyclable from New York City, and carloads of bulk materials utilized by businesses. The New York City Transit Authority utilizes the train-ferry facility to get old, new, and refurbished subway cars in and out of the system.

New York Cross Harbor Railroad serves businesses on both sides of the harbor with daily crossings between Jersey City, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York. Crossing the harbor takes 45 minutes, and is a convenient and cost-effective option for customers than the alternative method of transporting goods by rail which can take up to 5 days round trip shipping overland via CSX’s Selkirk Terminal.