COST OVERRUNS AT RENSSELAER RAIL STATION

Statement by Senator Joseph L. Bruno

Thursday, May 10, 2001

I am very disturbed by reports of massive cost overruns at the Rensselaer rail station construction project. I have not seen any acceptable explanation as to why the estimated cost of the project has almost doubled to $70 million, an increase of 88 percent from the original estimate of $36.5 million.

Since it was first announced, the cost of this project has been a runaway train. Significant funding has already been committed at both the Federal and State levels. I will not commit any additional state funding to the new rail station until I receive a full and complete accounting of how these cost overruns occurred.

I have supported the expansion of the rail station because it is very important to meet the transportation needs of the Capital Region and the entire Hudson Valley, as well as to support the economic development of our region. However, we must also be concerned about the impact these continuing cost overruns will have on taxpayers.

In light of this situation, I believe we should take a close look at how the Rensselaer rail station project has been managed and consider other management options that could prove to be more efficient.

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