Senate Transportation Committee chair outlines priorities: high-speed rail, worker safety and long-term infrastructure funding

State Senator Jeremy Cooney, chair of the New York State Senate Transportation Committee, used the panel's opening remarks to lay out priorities for the legislative session, emphasizing high-speed rail, worker and traveler safety, and multi-year planning for infrastructure funding.

Cooney said the committee will look beyond short-term budgeting to "be prepared and we can make these critical investments so that New York can stay active along with what other states across the country are doing." He also called high-speed rail a "personal priority" and urged coordination with federal partners and neighboring jurisdictions.

The committee chair framed infrastructure broadly to include roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike lanes, transit, airports and rail. Cooney said enhanced safety measures and protections for highway and transit workers are needed and called for examining additional penalties for DWI and drug-impaired driving as part of broader design and safety reviews.

Cooney recognized Rick Rogers and referenced former Congressman Tim Kennedy's work on transportation-related issues in Washington. He also cited New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Dominguez's interest in worker safety as part of the administration's priorities.

Cooney concluded his opening comments by noting that the committee would consider eight bills in the meeting and expressing optimism about a productive session.

Less critical details: the chair said he looks forward to working with committee members to "keep our workers and our travelers safe," and emphasized that infrastructure funding "isn't a year to year issue."