U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a $3.96 million federal investment to modernize the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway’s (NYSW) Main Line between Cortland and Syracuse. Standing at the historic Susquehanna Train Station, Schumer highlighted the critical need to upgrade the early 1900s rail infrastructure, citing its importance for Central New York’s burgeoning manufacturing industry, including the anticipated Micron semiconductor plant.
This funding, allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, completes the third and final phase of NYSW’s modernization project, with total federal investment in the line now surpassing $10 million. “The feds just greenlit the final phase for the NYSW railway between Cortland and Syracuse, allowing us to finally get our freight rail infrastructure back on track,” Schumer said. “With projects like Micron’s historic investment on the horizon, we need to keep Central New York moving full steam ahead.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI program provided the funding, continuing the major upgrades initiated by previous awards. This final phase will replace over eight miles of outdated rail, install more than 3,000 ties, and lay new ballast in towns across Cortland and Onondaga counties. These upgrades will increase the railway’s capacity, operational efficiency, and safety while supporting regional sustainability by shifting freight transport from road to rail, helping to reduce highway congestion and emissions.
With approximately 10,749 railcars already using this corridor each year, NYSW estimates that the rail line improvements keep nearly 37,000 trucks off the highways, significantly reducing road wear, traffic, and emissions. “This rail corridor is vital for our local industries and for connecting to major national networks, including Class I railways,” Schumer added. “The upgrades ensure this line can support not only the Micron project but a growing tech economy throughout Central New York.”
James Bonner, President of NYS&W, expressed gratitude for Schumer’s support. “With Senator Schumer and local governments, we’re enhancing reliability and reducing highway congestion while maintaining our connection to the national freight network. This investment builds a resilient future for our communities.”
Bob Haight, President of the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the economic impact of the modernization. “Connecting Cortland to Onondaga County’s tech industry and companies like Micron will boost local employers, attract new business, and create jobs,” he said.
This initiative is expected to provide numerous benefits to Central New York’s economy and infrastructure. In addition to preserving current jobs, the project will add new construction roles and make the region more attractive to prospective businesses. With connections to Class I railways, the line will also support semiconductor projects across New York’s “CHIPS superhighway,” which includes GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region and Wolfspeed in the Mohawk Valley.
The upgrades build on NYSW’s historic presence in the region. Built in 1873 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Susquehanna Train Station remains a community hub. Today, the station—now owned by NYSW and used as a community center—continues to serve as a gathering place for residents.
Schumer’s Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law included a $5 billion boost over five years for CRISI, supporting rail safety and efficiency projects across the U.S. By reducing rail chokepoints, enhancing multi-modal connections, and creating reliable transport corridors, the law aims to foster more efficient freight and passenger travel.
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