BOONVILLE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Tuesday, September 26 federal funding that will improve railroad safety, efficiency and reliability across Upstate New York, and a local railroad will receive a piece of that funding.

The Mohawk, Adirondack and Northern Railroad Corporation in Boonville are one of four railroads that will receive a share of $23 million in federal funding. The funding – which comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – is being allocated through the Federal Railroad Administration and will be used to make significant improvements to four railways in Central New York and the Finger Lakes.

“Millions of New Yorkers rely on our railways for daily transportation, long-distance travel, and freight service needs,” Gillibrand said in a statement. “This federal funding will help increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of these critical rail systems, and I’m proud to announce this important investment for rail infrastructure made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

The MHWA Railroad’s share – just over $3 million – will be used by the railroad to improve three bridges on the company’s network. The project will allow two bridges to accommodate modern freight cars – which weigh approximately 286,000 pounds – an improvement from the current bridge’s restrictions of 263,000 pounds.

The money will also be used to restore the bridges to a state of good repair, one of which had been removed from service recently due to its condition.

“Short line railroads that are vital connectors across Upstate New York will be able to make long overdue investments in infrastructure to ensure our railroads are safer and more resilient so both passengers and goods can get where they need to go on time,” Schumer said in a statement. “Upstate NY has long been a hub for freight rail activity and this funding will help ensure communities from Oneida to Yates County have the 21st-century rail network they need to move our local economies full steam ahead.”

Along with the federal funding, a combination of funding from MHWA – as well as the City of Rome and the New York State Department of Transportation – will provide 25 percent of funds for the project.