By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-931714.mp3
Albany, NY – Federal stimulus funds are rolling into New York to boost education and transportation. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
New York is getting more money from the federal government - another $28 million for railroad projects upstate in the latest round of federal funding aimed at improving the nation's rail infrastructure for high-speed trains. This week U.S. Transportation Department officials in Washington notified lawmakers in New York and elsewhere about an estimated $2.5 billion in nationwide rail project funding, coming on top of the previously announced $151 million in federal stimulus money New York is getting for high-speed rail projects across Amtrak's Empire Corridor stretching from New York City to Niagara Falls.
Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation announced this week that they'll be using stimulus dollars to pay for the demolition of the old Albany/Rensselaer train station buildings, a critical first step toward the installation of a fourth station track and the extension of the existing platform at the new Albany/Rensselaer station. The Albany/Rensselaer 4th Track project will result in increased station capacity and will improve the operating flexibility within the station area, leading to better on-time performance and more efficient passenger boarding.
And there's also fresh infusion of federal cash for education: The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has announced a $7.6 million federal College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) awarded to New York from the U.S. Department of Education for 2010-2011. HESC serves as the designated administering agency for the CACG program in New York State. HESC Vice President of Grants & Scholarships George Kazanjian points out that the new grant funds will largely be distributed through a competitive process as sub grants to schools, agencies and community-based organizations across New York through education and support programming.
HESC is partnering with the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) to deliver much needed services to CACG-qualified students and adults across the State of New York.
"These funds will help regional and statewide organizations reach thousands of students and adult learners with services that build a solid foundation for achieving a college education," said Elsa Magee, Acting President of The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). "HESC is proud to play such a meaningful role in carrying out higher education initiatives that help underrepresented students living in New York," she continued.
New York's CACG Program aims to improve college awareness, readiness, attendance and degree attainment through early outreach to families, particularly those with incomes below the poverty level, and through professional development of middle and high school counselors. Funds also support programs that provide services to high school and college students with an overall objective of increasing college degree attainment for underrepresented populations.