» NYSDOT Submits Ten 2010 HSR Grant Applications

NYSDOT submitted ten HSR project grant applications to the Federal Railroad Administration on August 6th, meeting the deadline set by the FRA for states to seek funding from the $2.3 billion federal HSR appropriation contained in the FY10 budget.

The 10 individual projects (Click Here For Complete Details) which total $138.1 million, would require a minimum 20% state and/or local match, which if all the projects are fully funded by FRA, would total $30.11 million. The new grant applications are for the remaining required $107.99 million.

The $2.345 billion in available grant funds are allocated into three categories:
•$2.125 billion for HSR corridor-wide service development program projects
•$245 million for specific HSR individual projects
•$50 million for HSR planning and multi-state proposal activities

FRA received 20 applications from 10 states totaling $7.8 billion for high-speed rail corridor service development programs, in addition to receiving 57 applications from 18 states totaling $700 million for smaller, individual projects within rail corridors that are ready to begin construction. New York’s 10 applications are part of this group on individual projects. FRA intends to announce these awards later this year.

ESPA fully supports these projects as they would all represent immediate positive improvements for passengers by reducing trip times and increasing reliability. ESPA has written FRA to inform them of our support and to urge them to give New York’s applications very serious consideration. ESPA also applauds the state’s willingness to commit to providing the necessary 20% matching dollars during this time of severe state budget constraints.

Bruce B. Becker