Funding Supported by BCW to Provide Big Boost to Region’s Transit System

The region’s transportation system will be getting a much-needed boost thanks to $6.78 billion in federal funds for downstate passenger rail projects recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants from the Federal Railroad Administration, four key New York projects that renew and expand the region’s rail network will receive the following Federal investments.

• Gateway Program: Hudson Tunnel Project Systems and Fit Out ($3.80 billion)
• Metro-North Railroad Penn Station Access with Four New Stations in the Bronx ($1.64 billion)
• Rehabilitation of East River Tunnels to Penn Station ($1.26 billion)
• Pelham Bay Bridge Replacement ($58 million)

“New York State is investing billions in the MTA and in infrastructure statewide, including in projects that directly benefit Amtrak. This latest funding will help us deliver modern, safe, and reliable public transportation to underserved communities, while boosting the regional economy. I’m thankful for partnership with the Biden Administration and the leadership of Senator Schumer,” said Governor Hochul.

The Business Council of Westchester staunchly advocated for federal funding of the transportation projects which will be another economic development tool to help Westchester recruit and retain businesses.

“The BCW strongly supports the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s application in partnership with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) requesting Federal Railroad Administration Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program funding for the Penn Station Access Project (Penn Access),” said BCW Executive VP and COO John Ravitz in letter sent to Administrator Amit Bose in March.

“The Penn Access project supports Amtrak’s existing growth plan to increase service by 33% corridor-wide, including half-hourly to Washington and hourly to Boston. Metro-North will operate up to 51 new daily round trips on the New Haven Line, giving customers in Westchester and Connecticut direct access to Manhattan’s West Side for the first time. Importantly, the project will also enhance connectivity to all of the New York City region’s rail services at Penn Station, including the Long Island Railroad and New Jersey Transit,” the letter continued.

Click to read letter to Gov. Hochul.