Governor George E. Pataki and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg broke ground last week on ExpressRail Staten Island, a $26 million ship-to-rail cargo transfer facility at the Howland Hook Marine Terminal. As part of a larger initiative to re-establish freight rail service to Staten Island after a 15-year hiatus, this new facility will allow the Staten Island container terminal to transport containerized cargo on and off its property by rail for the first time.
ExpressRail Staten Island will be built by Railroad Construction Co. Inc. of New Jersey on a 39-acre parcel on the former Procter & Gamble site. The Port Authority purchased the property in December 2000.
When completed in the first quarter of 2006, the ship-to-rail terminal will be able to handle approximately 100,000 containers a year.
New York Governor George E. Pataki said, "The Howland Hook Marine Terminal is the state's premier gateway for international cargo, and these investments will further our efforts to attract even more shippers and cargo to this facility. This project will provide good-paying jobs and economic benefits throughout New York State. It also will take significant numbers of trucks off the road, which will improve air quality."
New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "This new facility is a critical link in our efforts to alleviate choking traffic congestion in this area by moving more freight and refuse by rail. The simple act of taking a percentage of cargo-hauling tractor-trailers off of the road eases the burden that drivers, particularly on Staten Island, must contend with each day. The benefits to our environment and to our economy are immeasurable, and this project only serves to strengthen the terminal's strong foothold as a powerhouse in the container shipping industry not only for the Port of New York and New Jersey, but in the United States and world markets as well."
Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "Accommodating projected growth at our world-class port is an important component of our 10-year strategic plan. If we are to maintain our status as the busiest seaport on the East Coast, we must continue to make this an attractive place to do business. We believe our $450 million investment in rail in New York and New Jersey will greatly enhance our ability to handle more cargo."
Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "The construction of this rail terminal signals the Port Authority's commitment to greatly improve New York's port infrastructure to enhance the economic benefits that it provides. This project, coupled with the overall redevelopment of this terminal, will add more than $200 million in economic activity to New York City's economy by 2010."
Port Authority Executive Director Kenneth J. Ringler Jr., said, "The Port Authority has maintained a strong commitment to the Howland Hook Container Terminal since it reopened in the mid-1990s. In addition to this rail terminal project, we also have invested millions of dollars to expand the facility's berths to handle larger ships, to deepen the harbor channels, and to provide the electrical infrastructure for the installation of new post-Panamax cranes."
Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro said, "After years of effort and support for this project, I am gratified to see the Staten Island freight rail link moving forward. This service will take tens of thousands of trucks off Staten Island's roads. It will not only mitigate traffic congestion but also improve local air quality. Further, the rail link will enhance Staten Island's economy by lowering the cost of doing business with the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, one of the Island's largest employers."
James Devine, the president of New York Container Terminal Inc., which operates the Howland Hook facility, said, "As the operator of this facility, we are thrilled with the commitment made by Governor Pataki and the Port Authority that has allowed us to be h
