Schumer Announces Key Senate Panel Approves $2 Million For Phase II Of Stewart Rail Connection
Funding Would Help MTA Support EIS for Rail Connection; Expand Service for West of Hudson Commuters Schumer Worked Closely with Committee to Include Funding In FY2009 Spending Bill Bill will now be sent to the Senate Floor
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the TransportationHUD FY09 Appropriations Bill which includes $2 million for the West of Hudson Regional Transit Access Project. The funding would be used to support the environmental impact study that must be completed upon the conclusion of the alternatives analysis for connecting Metro North to Stewart Airport. Ultimately it will support the growing demand for the MetroNorth Railroad services by commuters, as well as to provide fast and reliable transit access that will support the growth and development of Stewart Airport. The bill will now proceed to the Senate Floor as the critical next step in the appropriations process. Schumer worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.
"This is another terrific example of our government's continued commitment to the promising growth of Stewart Airport," said Schumer. "At a time when the demand for fast and cost efficient public transportation is reaching new heights, it is essential that MTA continues to modify and develop their current services to ensure residents across the Hudson Valley and all of New York State have access to reliable transport. Easy access to Stewart will not only help out the hundreds of thousands of travelers flocking to the Hudson Valley each year, but will allow Stewart to continue to be the economic beacon it has become for the entire region."
The West of Hudson Regional Transit Access Project will analyze ways to address the growing demand in MTA MetroNorth Railroad's (MetroNorth) West of Hudson commuter market and to provide fast and reliable transit access that will support the development of Stewart International Airport (SWF).
Schumer has long been a champion of helping Stewart Airport continue to expand and serve Hudson Valley Residents. Schumer visited Stewart earlier this year to announce that the MTA has committed to put dollars behind the longawaited Stewart Rail Link, agreeing to provide the final $2.7 million needed for the Alternatives Analysis-a crucial first step in creating a oneseat ride from Orange County to NYC and putting the airport on track for further long term growth.
Now that the THUD bill has been approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, it will be sent to the Senate floor. Following approval by the Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.
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