Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) said, “I am very hopeful and optimistic that later this week the Amtrak Board of Directors will vote to approve a $2.5 billion contract between Hornell's Alstom and Amtrak to build its new line of Acela high-speed trains. It will be a huge and much needed shot in the arm for our local Southern Tier economy. Turning around the regional and statewide economies has to include a revitalization of the manufacturing sector. Creating 400 new manufacturing jobs at Alstom will strengthen the foundation of Southern Tier manufacturing and ensure that the facility will continue to stand as an economic lifeline for the entire Hornell area. It will be great news for our incredible Alstom employees and their families, and I appreciate the steadfast work of Alstom officials, Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Mayor Hogan, Senator O'Mara, Assemblyman Nojay and the team of federal, state and local leaders who provided support every step of the way.”