Utica lobbying for High Speed Rail

By By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Mar 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM EST

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2009 at 6:06 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Utica Mayor David Roefaro (D) is hopeful a proposed high speed rail would have a stop in Utica.

Roefaro says he met with Senate Majority leader Malcolm Smith yesterday in efforts to show his support for the rail.

"I think it's going to be a reality, there is no doubt in my mind, after going to Albany and talking to other federal leaders, Congressman Arcuri there is no doubt in my mind that this is something that is going to happen," Roefaro said.

State and federal leaders have been discussing a new rail system nationwide for months and it appears to be closer to a reality given federal stimulus dollars committed for it.

President Barack Obama pledged $13 billion between federal stimulus and a proposed transportation budget for high speed rail.

Currently, the only high speed rail in the U.S. Runs from Boston to Washington, D.C.

Roefaro says he's relying on state and federal leaders to secure most of the funds for the project.

Oneida County executive Anthony Picente (R) said he supports Utica's quest to be part of rail construction.

"I think it's essential, I have used rail service to go to New York and while we do have service, it's not as convenient as that (high speed rail)," said Picente.
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