Hornell, N.Y. - State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) applauded today’s visit by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Alstom Transportation, Inc. manufacturing facility in Hornell to celebrate the continued growth of the rail car manufacturing industry in Steuben County and across the Southern Tier.

In August, Alstom Transportation was selected to manufacture the next generation of high-speed trains as part of Amtrak’s $2.5-billion program to build its next fleet, a contract that’s expected to create over 750 manufacturing jobs including 400 directly at Alstom’s Hornell facility.

As part of the federal-local-state partnership that contributed resources to help Alstom emerge victorious in the global competition for the new contract, Cuomo today highlighted the $30 million in state assistance that was provided by Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s lead economic development agency. Palmesano praised the governor’s commitment to the Southern Tier.

“I appreciate Governor Cuomo taking the time to travel to Hornell to reaffirm New York State’s commitment to Southern Tier manufacturing and the continued growth and success of Alstom's Hornell facility. The creation of 400 manufacturing jobs at Alstom is difference-making for the future of our regional workers and their families and communities. It’s a salute to the quality of Alstom and its amazing workforce. I'm also very appreciative to have had the opportunity to work together with Governor Cuomo, Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Senator O’Mara, Mayor Hogan and so many leaders at the local, state and federal levels. It was truly a team effort and this kind of cooperation bodes extremely well the future of job creation throughout the Southern Tier.”

Alstom employs over 1,000 people throughout upstate New York and is expanding. Alstom facilities, particularly in Hornell, have delivered steam, diesel-electric, electric, and high-speed rail technology, including more than 7,000 transit vehicles, to customers throughout the nation.