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Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded New York State an additional $58 million grant to upgrade rail infrastructure that will help push forward the state’s efforts on high speed rail. The funds, which are being redistributed from the Recovery Act award rejected by the state of Florida, will be used on two major projects in the 21st Congressional District: The addition of a fourth track at the Rensselaer Train Station and replacement of Schenectady’s rail station.

“This is a significant award for our region, which will help provide badly needed infrastructure upgrades and continue laying the groundwork for high speed rail in New York State,” said Congressman Tonko. “These upgrades will help relieve bottlenecks in the system which often delay passenger trains and lead to headaches for commuters. I want to thank my colleagues, particularly Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, for working with U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and Governor Cuomo to provide these additional funds for New York. High speed rail continues to create jobs, rebuild our economy and help grow our small businesses.”

The addition of a fourth track at the Rensselaer station will alleviate one of the most significant rail bottlenecks in New York State, and will includes upgrades to the track alignments and turnouts at the station. These improvements, along with a new station in Schenectady, will greatly improve the reliability of service in and out of the Albany, and make the region more competitive in attracting new companies.

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