Chuck has made it priority to help ensure that our transit systems
from air service to subways to buses to highways to commuter
rails are as accessible and efficient as possible.
- Access to Upstate: Securing reliable,
affordable air service for all of New York State has been
one of Chuck's top priorities, both for the convenience of local
residents and also to put in place the infrastructure needed for
long-term economic growth. One of his proudest achievements has
bringing Jet Blue service to Rochester,
Buffalo,
and Syracuse,
and working to expand air service to Oneida
County, and bring Trailways
and Southwest
to Albany. In June 2004, Chuck welcomed Independence Air to seven
Upstate markets. He continues to actively lobby airlines large
and small to fly to more markets Upstate. As a result of Chuck's
efforts, airports across Upstate have seen record passenger growth
and fare have dropped dramatically.
- Better Airports: Chuck brought home federal money for
improvements at airports in Ticonderoga, Oneida County, the Southern
Tier, Plattsburg and Lake Placid, the Hudson Valley, the North
Country, and Cortland County, and continues to fight to increase
funding for Essential Air Service and Small Community Air Service
Development grants. In 2005, Chuck secured almost $1 million in
Small Communities to expand service in Ithaca, Massena, and the
Hudson Valley.
- Making Trains Secure: Chuck has fought for increased
funding to enhance rail
and Amtrak security following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
In the wake of the deadly bombings in Madrid and London, Chuck
has fought the Bush Administration to increase funding for mass
transit security and divert more funding to New York’s transit
operators so they can make desperately needed security improvements
to keep New York’s millions of daily commuters safe and
secure. This year, Chuck led a bipartisan coalition of Senators
to try and increase funding for mass transit security grants to
more $1.2 billion for FY2006. Chuck also successfully lobbied
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to
remove spending restrictions that were preventing the MTA from
purchasing bomb sniffing dogs.
- Improving New York State’s Transportation Systems:
In this year’s Highway Bill, Chuck secured over $16.5 billion
in total federal spending for New York highways, bridges, tunnels
and rails, a substantial increase of approximately $3 billion
more funding than in the last transportation bill. Specifically,
the legislation includes $10.07 billion in highway funds and $6.5
billion for New York State’s transit systems, a 19 percent
increase in annual average highway spending and a 30 percent increase
in public transit funding compared to the previous six year transportation
authorization bill. Chuck secured $230 million in special projects
in every region of New York.
- Help for Commuters: Chuck has led the charge to increase
mass transit tax credit that would save
commuters money, while reducing highway congestion. This will
help workers deal with rising gas prices and make commuting cheaper
for across the state.
- Improving Freight Rail Safety: Chuck has fought to
make rail crossings and rail shipments of hazardous materials
safer. The Rail Crossing and Hazardous Materials Transport Act
sets tougher minimum and maximum fines for fatal accidents and
establishes new requirements for investigations, inspections and
the use of new safety technology. The legislation aims to crack
down on negligent railroad companies and require the broader use
of modern technology to protect the public from more fatal crossing
and hazardous materials accidents. Chuck also convinced the Department
of Homeland Security to drop its plan to remove safety placards
from freight rail shipments.
For a complete index of press releases on transportation, please
click here.
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