What's happening
This bill authorizes a study on the feasibility, costs, benefits, and impacts of expanding freight railroad service in New York State.
Why it matters
Examines both economic and environmental effects. The study will analyze how expanded freight rail could impact local economies, municipal budgets, noise levels, air quality, and ecosystems—highlighting possible trade-offs between economic growth and environmental concerns.
Considers competition and infrastructure needs. The bill requires looking at how expanded rail might affect other freight carriers (like trucking companies), as well as what upgrades or new facilities (rail yards, hubs) would be necessary to support growth.
Explores funding opportunities and viability. By mandating a review of potential federal capital grants and conducting a full cost-benefit analysis, the study aims to determine whether expansion is realistically achievable and financially justifiable.
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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2223
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 17, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT in relation to authorizing the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study regarding feasibility of expanding freight railroad service within the state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The commissioner of transportation is authorized and directed to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of expanding freight railroad service within the state. Such study shall focus on the costs and benefits of such an expansion, and shall include, but not limited to:
1. the economic impact of freight rail service on cities and other local municipalities;
2. the environmental impact of expanded freight railroad service, including but not limited to:
a. the impact of noise on the affected environment resulting from, engine idling, whistle blowing and general train operation;
b. the impact of engine emissions on air quality;
c. the impact of such service on local ecosystems and habitats;
3. the economic impact of freight railroad service on other freight delivery carriers;
4. the economic costs to repair and maintain expanded freight railroad service to make it a viable option for freight delivery as compared to other freight delivery carriers;
5. the potential to build additional intermodal railroad yards, and repair, expand and modernize existing intermodal railroad yards throughout the state to serve as hubs for the loading and unloading of freight;
6. the availability of capital grants from the federal government to assist in funding such a project;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07729-01-7
A. 2223 2
7. a general cost benefit analysis regarding the expansion of freight railroad service within the state; and
8. any other information the commissioner of transportation deems relevant.
§ 2. A report of the findings of such study and recommendations of the commissioner of transportation shall be delivered to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the assembly within one year after the effective date of this act.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.