In order to fund a high speed rail initiative with Amtrak, NYSDOT
reserved CMAQ funds before 1998-99 CMAQ allocations were made to NYSDOT Regions
and MPO's.
Five projects were added to the CDTC's
TIP. For all five projects, the CMAQ
funding requires a 20% match, which will be paid by Amtrak. In addition to the five TIP projects shown
below, the CDTC action also included approval of CMAQ funds from this NYSDOT
initiative for the upgrading of track between Saratoga and Schenectady, should the funds become available. The NYSDOT cost estimate for this additional
element would be $4.0M. The five
projects approved for the TIP are:
1. Livingston Avenue Bridge
Rehabilitation, Albany (A394): In conjunction with the double tracking
project, this project increases the bridge's capacity and high-speed
operational implications. Total cost is $15M. Funds were obligated but not spent, pending
resolution of Amtrak’s portion of the Rail Initiative funding.
2. Rensselaer-Schenectady
Double Track (A395 & S150):
This project will provide greater dispatching flexibility to improve freight
and passenger operational efficiencies.
The cost is $14M and is split evenly between Albany County and Schenectady County divisions in the TIP. Funds were
obligated but not spent, pending resolution of Amtrak’s portion of the Rail
Initiative funding.
3.
Remanufactured Train Sets (R205): This project provides five additional high
speed trainsets for this initiative, for a total of
seven remanufactured trainsets for exclusive use on New York's Empire Corridor. They will meet new service demands and
complement Amtrak's currently assigned conventional equipment. This project was included in the CDTC TIP
because the work will be performed at Super Steel in Glenville. The cost is $5M. Funds were obligated and spent.
4. Rensselaer Amtrak
Shop Construction (R206): This
facility is 25 years old and was built to support the Turboliner
Fleet and will need significant improvements for the additional RTL III Turboliners. Improvements include additional shops and
buildings for the new equipment, relocating existing facilities, and a third
rail system. Total cost is $20M. Funds were obligated but not spent, pending
resolution of Amtrak’s portion of the Rail Initiative funding.
5.
Track Improvements in Rensselaer County (R207): This project would include state-of-the-art
circuitry upgrades and improved track along the Capital District to New York
City Corridor. It costs $4M. Funds were obligated but were deobligated, pending resolution of Amtrak’s portion of the
Rail Initiative funding.