ALBANY (AP) -- New York's senators are lobbying for the $2.4 billion in high-speed rail funding rejected by Florida.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has written federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking him to redirect the money passed up by Florida Governor Rick Scott to New York's Empire and Northeast Corridors.
Senator Charles Schumer said high-speed rail is a top priority for upstate New York. He mentioned adding a fourth track to the Rensselaer station, improving signals near Syracuse and relocating the Amtrak station in Niagara Falls as possible uses.
Scott canceled plans for a high-speed rail between Orlando and Tampa promoted by President Barack Obama, saying it would cost the state too much even with $2.4 billion in federal help. LaHood said other states would be happy to get Florida's money.
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