$250,000 in New Funding for the Port of Albany

$2.1 Million in Multi-Modal Funding Supports Infrastructure Improvements Statewide

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $250,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding to support engineering and design work necessary for the reconstruction of the wharf facilities located at the Port of Albany. The new funding will be part of the Albany Port District Commission’s $12 million wharf rehabilitation and replacement plan designed to maintain the Port of Albany as a viable means for transporting goods.

“The Port of Albany plays an important role in the Capital Region’s economy, and is a historic part of our State’s transportation infrastructure,” Governor Pataki said. “The $250,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding helps ensure that the Port remains competitive and continues to be a central site for distributing cargo throughout the State and nation.”

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari said, “The challenges that the Port of Albany are facing are real and this funding will go a long way towards addressing the critical infrastructure needs that will keep this site a viable option for cargo transportation for many years to come.”

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “This new funding will allow for the critical rehabilitation of the Port of Albany so that it can reclaim its preeminent place as a major hub of commerce.”

City of Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings said, “The docks are the backbone of our Port. Although an aggressive maintenance program has kept them in good repair, securing funding for capital improvements is the first step to help ensure that the Port of Albany remains competitive in the years ahead. The Port is an important contributor to our local economy and I thank Governor Pataki for his support in keeping this key component thriving.”

The new $250,000 in new multi-modal transportation funding announced today will help support engineering and design work important to the $12 million wharf rehabilitation and replacement plan. The Albany Port District Commission is also planning a $4.2 million effort to perform several additional infrastructure improvements, including dock repair, dredging, shed canopies construction, and increased warehouse capacity.

The Port of Albany has a significant impact on the Capital Region economy, accounting for $114 million annually in economic activity and supporting more than 1,000 local jobs and provides specialty handling of heavy lift and project cargo, dimension cargo, cocoa beans, wood pulp and logs, salt, millscale and gypsum. In addition, the facility features barge mounted cranes with 1,000 ton lift capability which enable the safe movement of high, wide or heavy products, modern food grade storage facilities that are equipped with fire sprinklers and automatic fogging for insect control.

Since 1995, Governor Pataki has invested more than $145 million in multi-modal transportation funding to support important enhancements to New York’s infrastructure, which includes rail, port, airport, local bridge and highway and fixed ferry facilities.

“The Port of Albany has been a transportation hub for more than 300 years,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Thomas J. Madison Jr. “With this funding, Governor Pataki is helping to ensure that both the Albany and Rensselaer section of the Port will be reconstructed, easing the critical movement of freight across New York State.”

The State Multi-Modal Transportation program provides reimbursements for authorized rail, port, airport, local highway and bridge projects, and fixed ferry facilities. Eligible projects must be for a public or freight transportation purpose and have a minimum 10-year bondable service life.

The Governor also announced grants for the following rail, port, airport, local highway and bridge, and fixed ferry facility projects:

• Cortland County $575,000
• New York Cross Harbor Railroad $500,000
• The New York City Parks Department $350,000
• The Village of East Rochester, Monroe County $200,000
• The Town of Amherst, Erie County $125,000
• The Town of North Elba, Essex County $80,000