Long Island Railroad Holds Ribbon Cutting for New High Tech Train Wash in Babylon

Senator Owen H. Johnson joined LIRR representatives and elected officials on October 16, 2012 for the official ribbon cutting for the new high tech train wash in Babylon that cleans the LIRR electric train fleet.

Senator Owen H. Johnson said:  "I am pleased that our new high tech railroad car wash in Babylon Village provides our residents with clean and properly maintained railroad cars. I applaud the use of green technology such as solar panels producing electricity to operate the facility and water treatment systems allowing for recycling and safe disposal into our sewer system. This is a fine example of government embracing new technologies that help both the commuter and the environment."

The new $25.5 million facility, financed with funds from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Federal Transit Administration, is expected to clean more than 320 train cars a day. The design and construction of the new facility incorporates “green” technology allowing it to reuse more than 70% of wash water, save $6700 a year on utility costs through the use of solar power, and filter and recondition waste water so that it can be safely released into the municipal sewer system.

Photograph from left to right:  Ralph Scordino, Mayor, Babylon Village; Wayne Horsley, Legislator, Suffolk County; Helena Williams, President, MTA Long Island Rail Road; Kevin Muldowney, Deputy Mayor, Babylon Village; Owen H. Johnson, NY State Senator; Anthony Simon, General Chairman, United Transportation Union UTU; Mitch Pally, Board member, MTA; Phil Boyle, NY State Assemblyman; and Donovan Vincent, Regional Engineer and Project Manager, Federal Transit Administration Region II.