On this date 184 years ago the Erie Canal opened, becoming a vital transportation artery for Buffalo and much of Upstate New York. The economic vitality created by that accessibility is a major reason Buffalo became the hub of business, culture and innovation at the turn of the last century.
Today Buffalo has a new opportunity to build on that tradition and make our city more accessible. Even more than the revitalization of the inner and outer harbors, that opportunity hinges on high-speed rail. With it, the Buffalo-Niagara region can become a competitive center for economic development with strengthened cross-border trade--the kind that doesn't have to move across the Peace Bridge.
A new high-speed rail transit system would connect Buffalo and Rochester with enhanced commuter rail service to Niagara Falls, creating a local, mobile workforce--almost 1 million strong. It would let allow our local universities to be more competitive in recruiting and make it easier for students to get home on breaks. It would also bring more tourists to the Buffalo-Niagara region, spending dollars that benefit our local hospitality industry. And by allowing people to commute between these cities by rail, we'd reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality for the whole region.
With so many issues about roadways and bridges, many have recognized rail as a critical component of Buffalo's economy. A report by the High-Speed Rail New York Coalition found that, "in the Buffalo-Niagara area alone, over 200 businesses depend heavily on rail for delivery and shipment of goods and products. These companies employ over 27,000 workers and have annual sales of over $7.2 billion."
Of high-speed rail's many proponents, including the Citizen's Regional Transit Corporation, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter is a staunch advocate. Slaughter has been leading meetings with the key players that would allow a third track dedicated to passenger rail and make it a reality across upstate New York. Those who have faith in Slaughter's vision include U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, fellow Members of Congress, representatives from Governor Paterson's office, the N.Y. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and CSX.
The expectation is that the Obama Administration will support the State of New York on these requests and honor the work we have done to make the case for investing in the Empire Corridor.
Specifically, New York State has submitted two applications for federal recovery funding to improve rail service. The first application includes projects to improve stations in both Buffalo and Niagara, and to make the tracks between the two cities safer and more efficient. The second application is much larger and will encompass projects to establish high-speed rail along the entire Empire corridor.
Thankfully
there's been broad support for high-speed rail from business groups, local politicians
and citizens from all backgrounds - all of whom are united in their desire to
make high-speed rail a reality across Upstate New York. They understand that
high-speed rail can be our next Erie Canal.
Id settle for decent conventional rail service to TO will arrivals screened at their destination (like the Seattle -Vancouver International).
Its not that hard. Its not that expensive. All is missing is some leadership.