New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today announced the availability of applications for up to $47 million for critical improvements at rail and port facilities throughout New York State. 

Approximately $27 million in funding from the fourth year of the five-year $2.9 billion Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act will be made available for fiscal year 2008-2009 to support railroad and port facility improvements.  Up to $20 million in additional assistance from the fourth year of the five year $100 million Passenger & Freight Rail Assistance Program will support passenger and freight rail enhancement projects. 

“Governor David A. Paterson is leading the way towards a more energy efficient transportation system that will not only benefit the environment by reducing air pollution but also help generate economic growth throughout New York State,” Commissioner Glynn said.  “This $47 million in funding will help increase freight capacity at our ports and rail roads, remove trucks from our highways and modernize the state’s rail and port infrastructure.”

Selection criteria for this round of funding will be based on the following seven measures:
· Readiness of a project to be implemented in the fiscal year it is funded;
· Economic development and sustainability, the ability to grow and retain business;
· Environmental impacts;
· Energy savings and emission reductions as measured by removing heavy truck traffic      from state highways;
· Reduction in highway maintenance expenses;
· Sustainability of the existing rail infrastructure network; and
· Safety and security.

Since state and federal resources will be limited this year, NYSDOT will seek projects that can provide substantial and important benefits to the transportation system in New York State.

Port operators, railroad operators, industrial development agencies and state and local government agencies located in upstate New York are eligible to apply for funds.

All grants are subject to availability of program funds at the time of grant award.
     
An informational meeting will be held to discuss and answer questions about the application and project selection processes on August 26, 2008 in Albany.  Applicants may participate in person or via conference call, and are asked to register for the session by e-mailing jowen@dot.state.ny.us by August 22.  Participation is not required in order for applications to be considered.

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