Hudson Valley Infrastructure

Is it safe? Is it fair? Is it informed?

Pattern Calls for Vigilance on Rail Inspections in New Infrastructure Paper
Released in Advance of Conference, the Report Also Features New Water and Sewer Capacity Map

NEWBURGH, May 13, 2015 – The need for greater attention to rail safety is among the highlights of a new report by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. The report was released in advance of Pattern’s second annual infrastructure conference held Monday, May 18, 2015 in New Windsor.

While rail safety — on both the passenger and crude oil transport sides — leads the report, the study also showcases and links to a new interactive digital map created by Pattern that shows spare water and sewer capacity throughout the region. The map illustrates that all counties in the region have some spare capacity, but that not every urban center has excess capacity. The report also includes a discussion of the fair allocation of roadway and bridge funding.

“With limited resources, we must take a more strategic approach to infrastructure investment. This week’s Amtrak tragedy underscores this in a sobering way,” said Pattern Chief Strategy Officer March Gallagher. “Public safety, equity, environmental quality and economic opportunity are all of paramount concern in both the maintenance of existing infrastructure and the identification of areas in need of additional resources.”

Among the recommendations offered in the report are:
• Provide greater resources for train track and bridge inspection
• Implement a method of fair share allocation of transportation resources
• Align development with infrastructure investment to greater effect
• Require municipalities to produce capital plans to access infrastructure resources