Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink visited the New York and Atlantic Railway’s Fresh Pond rail facility and headquarters in Glendale in early August, where he was joined by fellow FRA officials, representatives from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, several NYA customers and representatives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Photo courtesy of New York and Atlantic Railway
New York and Atlantic Railway (NYA) initiated discussions around reliable, strong and efficient rail freight during a visit from Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink at NYA’s Fresh Pond rail facility and headquarters in Glendale, emphasizing the importance of the regional economic engine.
FRA officials in attendance included Deputy Administrator Drew Feeley and Senior Policy Advisor Russell Roberts, who were joined by representatives from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Several NYA customers, including EWG Glass Recovery and Recycle Corp., Gershow Recycling, D&M Lumber and WM, were also in attendance.
During the visit, Fink acknowledged the importance of rail freight as a key driver of the region’s economic growth and stability, serving to reduce congestion on the area’s highways, lower transportation costs, improve supply chain reliability and increase the efficient movement of goods throughout the region.
Fink emphasized that a strong freight rail network enhances capacity, supports businesses and industry and strengthens the region’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Marlon Taylor, president of NYA, led the group discussion and tour of the Fresh Pond yard, which handles 30,000 carloads of freight annually on tracks it shares with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) — the nation’s busiest commuter railroad.
The railway team explained that NYA is a vital regional transportation hub for building materials, bulk food products, construction and demolition debris, stone and aggregate and recyclable products. It also transports essential energy products to homes, schools and businesses on the eastern end of Long Island.
“We are grateful to Administrator Fink and his team for taking the time to tour our facility, listen to our concerns and recognize the importance of strengthening the nation’s rail freight system — especially in a densely populated area like New York City and Long Island,” Taylor said. “It’s good to know that the railroad industry has such a knowledgeable and astute leader and advocate at the helm of the FRA.”
NYA began operation in May 1997 due to the privatized concession of freight train operation on the lines owned by the LIRR. The railway serves a diverse customer base and shares track with the densest passenger system in the United States.
For more information about New York and Atlantic Railway, visit Anacostia.com/Railroads/NYA.