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An over $28 million renovation project at the Rhinecliff rail station is currently on hold due to a review by the Trump administration. The state Department of Transportation announced that the review concerns grant money promised under former President Joe Biden's administration. The project aims to address various issues, including the station's building, platform, elevators, and parking lots.
According to a notice from the state Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has instructed the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to pause the Section 106 process required by the National Historic Preservation Act. The federal grant for the Rhinecliff Platform and Interlocking Project is under review with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FRA. For more details, inquiries can be directed to the FRA at FRAPA@dot.gov.
The project includes installing a 1,000-foot-long ADA-compliant platform, replacing the station crossover bridge, and making improvements to the ticket counter, restrooms, and parking lot drainage. However, the delay has frustrated local officials, including town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia, who expressed disappointment over the project's slow progress. Spinzia stated, "The lack of speed at which this project progresses or doesn’t progress continues to be a great source of disappointment and frustration for all of us here in Rhinebeck."
Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha criticized the federal administration for pausing the project, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure. She said, "The United States has the highest GDP in the world, and yet we can’t get these basic infrastructure needs taken care of."
The funding for the project was initially promised during a visit by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer in February 2020. The renovation was set to address Americans with Disabilities Act deficiencies and improve overall station functionality. The timeline for the review and subsequent project continuation remains uncertain.