CORTLAND, NY — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced $3,168,302 in federal funding for the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corporation to upgrade approximately 4.5 miles of freight rail in Cortland County. Representative Mannion advocated for the project in letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Representative John W. Mannion said, “Safe, reliable freight rail helps Cortland County businesses move their products to market and supports jobs across our region. I advocated for this funding because investing in our rail infrastructure strengthens our economy and improves safety for rail workers and the surrounding communities. These upgrades will reduce delays and help ensure the businesses that depend on this corridor have reliable service for years to come.”
James Bonner, President of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway, said “The NYS&W thanks Congressman Mannion for his commitment to strengthening Cortland County’s transportation infrastructure. The $3.1 million CRISI award represents an important investment in the future of freight rail transportation and economic development in the region. By modernizing rail infrastructure between Syracuse and Cortland, NYS&W will be better positioned to serve existing customers, attract new business opportunities, and support the industries that drive the region’s economy. The project will also help sustain good-paying railroad jobs.”
The project will install continuous welded rail and new railroad ties and renew ballast and track surfacing between Cortland and Virgil, with improvements spanning Cortland, Cortlandville, and Virgil. The upgrades will improve safety and reliability, eliminate
In his letter of support, Mannion emphasized the project’s safety and economic benefits and its role in the railroad’s long-term effort to modernize its Northern Division. The funding comes through the Federal Railroad Administration’s FY 2025–2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
Read Representative Mannion’s letter of support here.
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