Sen. Schumer visits the Hudson Valley
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HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. -- Senator Chuck Schumer is making his way around the Hudson Valley today. His first stop is Poughkeepsie.
As Central Hudson works towards a merger with Canadian company Fortis, Senator Schumer is calling on the State Public Service Commission to require a storm recovery plan before anything is finalized.
Following Superstorm Sandy, utility companies were widely scrutinized for their slow response and lack of emergency preparedness. A plan for storm restoration and investments in flood insurance are two important items that Fortis has yet to address.
Customers have expressed concern about the takeover by Fortis, but Schumer wants to ensure the Hudson Valley will receive high quality service without paying higher rates.
Later, Senator Schumer will be heading north to Kingston.
Back in January, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced two million dollars in funding to develop the Ulster County Rail Trail. And today, Schumer is calling on the Surface Transportation Board to transfer ownership of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad to the county.
The abandoned railroad would enhance the county's plan to develop more than 38 miles of trails along the Hudson River.
Schumer says the unique tourist attraction would bring a much needed economic boost to the region.
The system of trail ways has the potential to connect Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties.