Rep. Slaughter Says High-Speed Rail Will Stimulate New York, National Economy

October 15, 2009 -- Rep. Louise Slaughter said that a new hearing in Congress on the benefits of high-speed rail demonstrates again that the projects can spark economic growth, new jobs and improved quality of life. Slaughter has been a leader in New York in pushing for creation of a new efficient high speed corridor between Albany and Buffalo and has worked closely with federal, state and local officials to bring the plan to fruition.

“High-speed rail presents Americans with an environmentally responsible, safe and convenient form of transportation that will open up Western New York for a new wave of economic growth,” said Slaughter. “This hearing before the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is a good opportunity for talking about expanding our country’s transportation system. Bringing high-speed rail to the Empire Corridor is one of my top priorities and I’m proud to lead my colleagues in the Upstate New York Caucus to make this vision a reality.

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“In Western New York, high-speed rail will strengthen bi-national trade with our Canadian neighbors, help our local universities and colleges recruit, all while conserving energy and improving environmental quality. It will also give passenger rail the dedicated third track they need to decrease travel time and the avoid being sidetracked by freight rail.

“Perhaps most importantly, high-speed rail will strengthen our local economy creating a larger and more mobile workforce. By reducing the commutes to less than one hour between Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, a new mobile workforce of 1.5 million people becomes a powerful draw for new business interests. Additionally, the construction and operation of the routes would create thousands of jobs.

“I’m often told my by constituents that Upstate New York lacks transportation options and it breaks my heart when I find out that local business owners think it’s too expensive to do business here because of it.

“I’m proud that the local Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo-Niagara Partnership and numerous other business interests have so vocally supported high-speed rail along the Empire Corridor. The Empire Corridor can be our next Erie Canal.”

Source: Rep. Louise Slaughter