ALBANY, N.Y. — For the first time since the NYSDOT released its preferred plan to build a high-speed rail network across the state, lawmakers and various interested parties had a chance to talk about it on the record.
In early 2023, the DOT released its 458-page environmental impact statement outlining a $6B plan to build or upgrade 463 miles of railroad track between Niagara Falls and New York City. 270 miles of new rail line would be built between the Falls and Albany that would allow commuter trains to travel at 90 miles per hour in some areas.
The selected plan is referred to as "90B"
"The completion of this federally mandated study allows the Department of Transportation to begin the process of identifying and obtaining federal funds for multiple projects that will help us fulfill the program goals along the 463-mile long corridor between Niagara Falls in New York City," assistant commissioner Janet Ho said.
Senator Tim Kennedy chairs the transportation committee and called for this hearing so lawmakers could get specifics out of the DOT regarding timelines and funding.
But, after more than four hours of testimony, Senators didn't walk away with a better understanding of how much money the NYSDOT will need in the next fiscal year to move the project forward.
"I have a timeline in my hand that I'm looking at, it started back in 1989," Kennedy said. "Nothing should take 35 years."
Multiple times, Kennedy pressed pressed NYSDOT assistant commissioner Janet Ho about what was next, and how much money was needed.
"What can we do within the budget right now to help to get to leverage that funding at the federal level to implement this 90B alternative if everything's been agreed upon," Kennedy asked the commissioner.
" I do think that planning still needs to take place," Asst. Commissioner Ho said. "I think the project that is advancing right now is the Livingston Avenue Bridge Project, we would obviously continue to hope for and appreciate all support."
The Livingston Ave Bridge Project is a commuter/freight bridge project in Albany. He said repeatedly during her testimony that the Livingston Bridge project is the priority for the NYSDOT when it comes to rail plans.
Shortly after the exchange, Senator Kennedy highlighted how reliable, successful, and fast commuter rail is in the NYC metro area.
Kennedy, again, pressed the NYSDOT for specifics.
"We want the same for Upstate, what do we need to do right now to make that happen?" Kennedy asked.
"I think it's a matter of really just continuing to partner with us," Ho said. "Continuing to work with all the stakeholders really is I think, the the best thing that we could do."