OSWEGO, NY – The Port of Oswego Authority,(POA), recently received funding for two projects to upgrade its rail service totaling $4.69 million as part of Gov. Hochul’s $111.1 million investment in nearly 40 projects for Freight Rail and Port Infrastructure, said William Scriber, POA executive director and CEO.
“The projects include $2.861 million for the construction of an additional storage track, rail safety upgrades, and an upgraded unloading method for agricultural products ,” Scriber said. “In addition, the Port will receive $1.832 million to upgrade to a more efficient Electric Railcar Mover with a smaller carbon footprint. This zero-emission technology supports NY’s green energy and electric policies. We are grateful for Gov. Hochul’s investment in our port. These improvements will help us better serve our customers by expanding our rail capabilities as we work toward another record year of shipping here in Oswego.”
With the recent Federal award of $4 million for rail upgrades and a new, $2 million, state-of-the-art telescoping conveyor, the Port will be able to dramatically raise its grain ship loading speed from 18,000 bushels an hour to at least 30,000 bushels an hour, Scriber said. “This will totally transform our grain operation. This makes us a strategic player in both the rail and grain industries, in addition to being the leader among Great Lake Ports.”
Preliminary numbers show that in 2023, the port had an 18% increase in shipping tonnage over 2022—another record year for the Port of Oswego. Scriber attributes a large portion of that increase to an influx of aluminum ingots for Novelis.
In a statement on the investment, Gov Hochul said: “New York’s ports and freight rail networks are vital to the state’s economic well-being and these historic investments will ensure that they remain globally competitive. This funding will upgrade important parts of our transportation infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, reduce pollution, and fuel the economic engines that power our state.”
Winning projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include a benefit cost analysis, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety enhancements, compatibility with other private and public investments, and actions that enhance resilience and reduce climate risk.
A U.S./Canadian research study shows that, over the past five years, The Port of Oswego Authority made a $513 million impact on the local and regional economy and supported 2,229 jobs by its maritime activity. The Port of Oswego generated $201.2 million in wages, salaries, and local consumption expenditures for the regional economy.
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