FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON: CONGRESS APPROVES $1.25 MILLION FOR ROME PASSENGER INTERMODAL FACILITY

Newly passed omnibus report contains $1.2 million to rehabilitate City’s passenger rail intermodal facility at Martin Street

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate has passed the omnibus appropriations report that will send $1.25 million to the City of Rome to rehabilitate the City’s passenger rail intermodal facility at Martin Street. The report, which also passed the House, now awaits the President's signature.

"Transportation is key to a region's outlook and these major improvements could be the engine that drives Rome's economy forward," Schumer said. "Fixing the Amtrak station will not only help Rome's passengers come and go more easily, but it will also invite more and more tourists to the area. This is just what the doctor ordered, and the funds can't come at a better time."

“By improving the transportation options in the City Rome, we are making it easier for people to visit and that means more jobs and opportunities for the New Yorkers who live in the area,” Clinton said. “We all know that this region has so much to offer: great parks, culture, academic and economic opportunities. Any chance we have to improve access to Rome is great news for the City and for the entire region. I was proud to work side by side with Senator Schumer and the rest of the New York Delegation on this. I am disappointed that the bill contained other provisions that I feel were harmful to the people of New York, but I am happy that we can move ahead on this.”

The Senators said that in addition to rehabilitating the City’s passenger rail intermodal facility at Martin Street, the money will also be used to house the local bus system's main station. The funding will be combined with local resources to address significant rehabilitation requirements of the existing Amtrak station that was originally built nearly a century ago. To date, renovations include a new enclosed heated passenger platform and waterproofing of the passenger tunnel under the railroad tracks.

New planned improvements with the funds include a new roof, exterior masonry and window work, and new ADA accessible restrooms. The next phase of the project includes the major design and construction work to accommodate the relocation of the VIP bus system. The scope will include passenger waiting areas, ticketing areas, employees areas and offices.

The funding was included in the Omnibus conference report passed by the House and Senate. The report now awaits the President's signature.

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