GOING FULL SPEED ON HIGH SPEED RAIL

Last week, Governor David A. Paterson announced that key agreements have been reached between the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) to move forward with New York State's high speed intercity passenger rail program. The agreements, achieved between the parties, will establish a framework for progress to establishing high speed passenger rail in the State and will enable NYSDOT to move forward with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Empire Corridor, which contains CSX's busiest route carrying both passengers and freight between Albany and Buffalo. The EIS agreement will allow New York State to move forward on other projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that involve CSXT, which will create jobs and help improve the economy.

"The State's agreements with CSXT are a significant step toward bringing high speed passenger rail to New York on the Empire Corridor. The deadlock has been broken allowing for the program to move forward," Governor Paterson said. "This agreement was essential to implement the high speed rail projects for which New York State was awarded $151 million in funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I want to particularly thank Congresswoman Slaughter, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo, Deputy FRA Administrator Karen Rae, and Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee for their efforts. The vision of high speed passenger rail is now one step closer to reality for New Yorkers."

NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: "This agreement with CSXT is an important milestone in New York State's efforts to expand high speed intercity passenger rail service across our State. We have turned the corner and now, together with CSXT, we will begin anew to move forward on enhancing high speed passenger rail in our State. Having just yesterday received one of the first of FRA's grants, to fund the EIS, the timing couldn't be better for this tremendous announcement. We owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Paterson, Congresswoman Slaughter, FRA and Secretary LaHood for their continued confidence in our program. CSXT is a vital partner to progress on high speed passenger rail in New York State, and we are pleased to have their cooperation on behalf of the greater good."

The two agreements have been executed simultaneously. The Framework Agreement is a broad statement of core principles that will guide New York State and CSXT in establishing enhanced intercity and high speed passenger rail service. Both parties, CSXT and NYSDOT, have pledged their cooperation in fully achieving the national goal of high speed intercity passenger rail, while at the same time recognizing the rights and responsibilities of CSXT in connection with its property.

The Agreement on the EIS enables NYSDOT to move forward with preparation of a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 463-mile Empire Corridor, which runs from New York City to Albany, and west to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and that will study and document proposed improvements to intercity passenger rail services in New York State at speeds of up to 110 mph. The corridor-level EIS builds upon a number of planning studies NYSDOT and others have done over the years to develop a long range, comprehensive, high-speed intercity passenger rail investment strategy and will result in a list of recommended projects. The $1 million award of FRA assistance is about 20 percent of the $4.5 million estimated cost for completion of the EIS. The EIS Agreement allows that critical planning effort to go forward immediately by setting forth the cooperative and supporting role of CSXT to the project, which will be lead by the FRA and NYSDOT.

High-speed rail enhancements are designed to improve reliability and reduce travel time of passenger rail service in New York State. Design consultant HNTB, of New York City, is expected to complete the EIS and planning studies by mid-2012.