Hoyt, Grisanti Urge Feds to Redirect High Speed Rail Funds to NYS

$2.4 Billion from Federal Government Would Boost Rail Development

BUFFALO, NY –Assemblymember Sam Hoyt and Senator Mark Grisanti sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today urging him to redirect $2.4 billion in high speed rail funding that was recently rejected by Florida to New York. This injection of money to develop New York’s high speed rail corridor would be a dramatic boost for the development.

Hoyt and Grisanti said in the letter: “New York has faced many challenges as of late: an upstate economy and population that are in serious decline as well as immense job loss. This funding presents New Yorkers with an opportunity to help quell the devastating effects the declining economy has had on our upstate cities by offering economic revitalization, job creation in the high-tech, construction, operational and service sectors, as well as reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

Federal rail officials must now reallocate the $2.4 billion rejected by Florida. New York has already received partial funds of $7.3 million rejected by Ohio and Wisconsin earlier this year. New York initially received $151 million in federal high speed rail funding. Governor Cuomo has made high speed rail a priority and the New York State Department of Transportation has worked to develop a 20-year rail plan that outlines the creation of a high speed rail line from Western New York to New York City.

The letter continued: “New York is no stranger to bold efforts, particularly in times of great financial distress. Decades ago, New York invested in the creation of the Erie Canal, along the same east-west corridor as the proposed high speed rail line. The canal paved the way for New York’s well-earned reputation as the center of our nation’s commerce. A high speed rail program can provide a much needed direct stimulus to the economic life that our upstate communities deserve.”

*** SEE ATTACHED LETTER.

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt represents the 144^th Assembly District.

Senator Mark Grisanti represents the 60th Senate District.