What’s
New
As
part of our on-going effort to implement the twenty-five recommendations in the Action
Program, we will be updating our website on a regular basis. Check back here often for the latest information
from the Task Force and changes to our website.
Memorandum of Understanding
On August 21,2007 a MOU was finalized
between the NYS Senate Task Force on High Speed Rail and NYS Department of Transportation
to implement projects contained in the NYS Senate High Speed Rail Task Force Action
Program. A $22 million appropriation in
the SFY 2006-07 State Budget provided that a program of projects shall be advanced with a
Memorandum of Understanding between the Commissioner and NYS Senate Task Force on High
Speed Rail. The Commissioner has agreed to
implement elements of the NYS Senate High Speed Rail Task Force Action
Plan within the funding available.
Senator Bruno Announces Action Plan Projects
On September 5, 2007 Senator Bruno announced that
he has joined with the Department of Transportation and business leaders to outline a $22
million appropriation in High Speed Rail initiatives.
The following is a list of projects.
- Albany
– Rensselaer Station ($11 Million)
– Adding a fourth track with related signal work at the Rensselaer Station to
increase capacity, flexibility and reduce congestion.
Additionally, existing platforms and canopies will be extended.
- Hudson
Station ($6 Million) – Improvements to the Hudson Station that would allow passenger
and freight trains to continue through without slowing down or stopping while a train is
in the station.
- Rock
Slope Stabilization ($4 Million) - Currently,
Amtrak is under a “slow order” on the section of track under the George
Washington Bridge (GWB) into Penn Station. Stabilization
of the rock slope under the GWB will improve safety and increase train speed as a result
of the lifting of the “slow order.”
- $1
Million Reserve Fund – For projects to be determined.
Transportation Studies
The NYS Senate Task Force on High Speed Rail has
initiated the following studies. These
efforts are being coordinated with NYSDOT and
CDTA and CDTC.
A study has been initiated to evaluate unity of
control of the Empire Corridor between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie. The effort includes
the evaluation of the potential acquisition of the CSX right -of -way and facilities in
this corridor. Analysis will include valuation of right-of-way, review of legal
institutional alternative approaches, determination of benefits, fiscal impacts and
financing alternatives. R L Banks has been
selected to be the prime contractor on this effort. This
effort is scheduled to be completed in June 2008.
- Transportation
Corridor Assessment – Rail, Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit
The study will be initiated this fall
to review the most effective means to provide passenger transportation services to
emerging employment centers in the region. The study will include a broad overview and
assessment of potential transportation possibilities, including commuter rail/light rail
and bus rapid transit. It will address these options in the Capital District, Saratoga and
lower Adirondack Region.
Updated: September 17, 2007 |
