Senator Fuschillo Announces Over $6.5 Million for Transit Programs on Long Island

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that New York State has awarded over $6.5 million in grants for transportation improvements on Long Island. The grants will help fund projects that will improve transportation infrastructure and support economic development. 

     "Our transportation infrastructure is a vital economic artery which moves millions of people and products on a daily basis. Growing our economy depends on improving our transportation system, which is why the state legislature and Governor Cuomo made additional infrastructure investments a priority in this year's state budget. Undertaking these new projects will strengthen our transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, and create jobs, all of which will keep New York State headed in the right direction," said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee.

     The over $6.5 million in funding, which was included in this year’s State Budget, will be used as follows:

     • Over $1.3 million in combined funding for NICE Bus, Suffolk Transit, Long Beach Bus, and Huntington Area Rapid Transit to undertake capital improvements. The funds can be used to purchase new buses and/or make needed upgrades to transit facilities.

     • $2.75 million for the MTA/LIRR. The funding will be used to upgrade diesel train engines to improve emissions standards.

     • $2.5 million for track expansion at the Brookhaven Rail Terminal. Brookhaven Rail Terminal is a multi-modal freight rail facility which provides rail based shipping, warehousing, and logistic services. Expanding freight rail access will help ease congestion and protect the environment by removing more trucks from the roadways.