Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today applauded President Obama strategic plan which outlined his vision for high speed rail in America. The Administration released 10 major corridors for potential high-speed rail projects, including the Empire Corridor – New York City, Albany Buffalo. Senator Gillibrand met with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last month to discuss high-speed rail development in New York State. Senator Gillibrand released the following statement:
“I am pleased that President Obama is committed developing high-speed rail. Other countries have known the benefits that high speed rail brings – it is time the U.S. pledges to modernize our rail infrastructure. President Obama included $5 billion dollars in his budget toward the development of high speed rail corridors over the next five years. That is on top of the $8 billion secured as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds are vital to making high speed rail a reality in New York.
“High-speed rail is one of my top priorities for Upstate New York. It is a key component of our economic development and will spur job growth across New York. The development of high-speed rail will create an economic development engine in Upstate New York for decades. High-speed rail development means immediate job creation in construction and local suppliers. There are long-term economic development opportunities in business growth and increased tourism.
“I will work with President Obama, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to see high speed rail development in New York State.”
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