Progress to Date

 

The REVEST initiative has made incredible progress since its inception in April 1998.  The Rensselaer Amtrak station is one-third complete. Additional track work, including a new bypass track is scheduled for the 2000 construction season.  The project is "on track" for substantial construction work throughout 2000, with project completion in early 2001.  Its design and size are not only impressive to locals, but this station is the largest station to be built in the nation in over 50 years.

 

Text Box: The REVEST initiative has made incredible progress since its inception in April 1998.The re-design and construction of the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station is also progressing at a quick pace.  The environmental review process for the project has been initiated and will take 3 - 6 months to complete.  During that time, matters of land acquisition and site occupancy will be resolved.  Once cleared, the station construction will take approximately 12 months to design and 14 months to build. The new Saratoga Springs train station will improve its functionality for intercity travel, establish Saratoga Springs as a terminal for tourist trains, and provide access to demonstration commuter services.

 

The City of Schenectady has completed its feasibility study and proposed the development of the Western Gateway Transportation Center. The Center includes an intermodal facility, four-story office building (80,000 square feet), transportation-related museum, restaurant/retail shop (20,000 square feet) and a public plaza.  The intermodal facility will link intercity rail and bus service, local bus service, commuter rail, automobile and bicycle and pedestrian traffic at a single location in the Downtown.  A Master Plan has been completed and adopted for the Gateway.  The City is proceeding with site acquisition and environmental review of the project.  The project is anticipated to take approximately one year to design and two years to construct.

 

The Scenic Rail Project is also progressing swiftly.  This project was not part of the original REVEST initiative, but was funded through former Congressman Solomon's efforts. Warren County has contracted with the Upper Hudson River Railway (UHRR) for operation of the segment between North Creek and Riparius.  The UHRR carried over 20,000 people last season, and has two more years in its operating contract. 

Train Station at North Creek
 
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) has provided funding for a steady program of capital improvements that will lead to a Scenic Train connection to Saratoga Springs. A goal of issuing the first construction contract in the 2000 season has been set. The level of enthusiasm for this project is very high.  The hamlet of North Creek has already created a master plan for their community that supports an early Adirondack train community theme; other towns along the rail line are doing the same.  Local officials can’t recall another single economic development project that has had such a positive acceptance.

 

Finally, in cooperation with Amtrak and the state's Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Governor has earmarked money for a program of projects that will improve high speed rail on Amtrak's Empire Corridor.  For the Capital Region, this includes two REVEST projects--the double track from Rensselaer to Schenectady and the rehabilitation of the Livingston Avenue Bridge.  The Department of Transportation has begun formal discussions with Amtrak on the double-track project and anticipates that work will begin sometime in 2000. 

 

Most recently the Governor called for $80 million for new rail (both passenger and freight) programs across the state.  About $10 million is proposed to be spent in the first year.  The governor specifically identified the Rensselaer Amtrak Station and Commuter Rail projects as high priority projects, but no allocation to specific projects has been announced. 

 

In sum, the REVEST initiative is a synergetic commitment.  However, despite the overwhelming progress that has been made to date, more work needs to be done.  As outlined in the individual project write-ups starting on page 11 of this document, funding gaps still exist.  Key decisions regarding the thrust and direction of some of the projects need to be made. 

 

                            

Rensselaer Amtrak Station                         Western Gateway Transportation Center               Scenic Train