Bath Alstom factory receives almost $16 million for hybrid train project

BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- Alstom, a global rail transportation manufacturer, is seeing an almost $16 million federal investment to develop hybrid train engine technology at its factory in Bath, according to New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

The initiative, called the Hybrid Locomotive Project looks to develop new battery technology at Alstom's Kanona facility in Bath. The new batteries will allow the company to produce and test two hybrid, battery-diesel locomotives.

“I’ve led the charge to establish the Southern Tier as a hub for battery manufacturing and research & development, and today’s investment will boost efforts to make sure the next generation of rail technology is stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY’," said Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat.

The money will be distributed through the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency to the partners in the project, which include: Alstom, Norfolk Southern Railway and Binghamton University's New Energy New York Consortium.

"The award will help advance a new clean diesel battery hybrid technology that builds off the region’s deep history in transportation manufacturing and innovation in battery and clean energy technology.  The project aligns the region’s strengths to establish the County as a leader in clean tech manufacturing," said James Johnson, executive director, Steuben County IDA.

The new hybrid engines will be placed in two older locomotives that will be rebuilt for the projects purposes. Officials say the program will make the less-efficient trains more reliable, efficient, reduce carbon emissions and improve climate resilience.

"By upgrading outdated rail technology with advanced systems, we are enhancing our infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs that will strengthen our local economy," said Congressman Nick Langworthy, a Republican.

The funding was secured through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, which invests in projects across the country to improve railroad safety, efficiency and reliability.