Getting back on track: Millions in federal funding will modernize railways across New York

Many of the historic railroads across New York State are approaching a century old, and some are in major need of repair.

Nearly $4 million dollars in federal funding is coming to New York to modernize the rail infrastructure state-wide.

The New York, Susquehanna, & Western Railway Main Line, which stretches through Cortland and Onondaga Counties, is included in the project. The corridor is expected to be a vital freight rail for Central New York manufacturing as groundbreaking for the Micron semiconductor plant begins late next year.

“We need to keep Central New York moving full steam ahead to its next chapter, and this funding will help finally get our freight rail infrastructure back on the right track. This not only boosts our industry and makes sure it stays connected to the national freight rail network, but will benefit Cortland and the surrounding area all along I-81 by helping keep trucks off highways to reduce traffic.” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at the Old Susquehanna Train Station in Cortland.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration, who announced more than $2.4 billion dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law announced under the Biden-Harris administration. The program will make improvements to 122 freight and passenger rail projects across 41 states and Washington D.C.