Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine recently met with leadership from New York & Atlantic Railway and Gershow Recycling at Gershow’s Medford recycling facility. The visit included a tour of operations, a review of significant rail infrastructure investments made at the facility, and a discussion on the growing need to expand rail freight service across Suffolk County and Long Island.
During the tour, Romaine learned more about the substantial investments Gershow Recycling and New York & Atlantic Railway have made to modernize and expand rail infrastructure in anticipation of increased rail freight usage and long-term growth. The discussion focused on the critical role rail freight plays in efficiently moving building materials, recyclable products, and other essential goods while reducing congestion and wear on local roadways.
“Across most of the country, about 20 percent of goods are moved by rail. On Long Island, that number is closer to 2 percent, and that clearly shows there is a significant opportunity to do more,” Romaine said. “We need to move more freight by rail. Expanding rail freight will take trucks off our roads, protect our infrastructure, improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve regional air quality. Companies like Gershow Recycling and New York & Atlantic Railway are investing in rail infrastructure, and this is the future for Long Island.”
Romaine emphasized that expanding rail freight is a critical infrastructure priority that delivers direct benefits to residents, businesses, and taxpayers. Each railcar used to transport freight can replace approximately four tractor-trailers off local roads, helping improve safety, reduce traffic, and lower environmental impact. Increased rail freight utilization also helps keep transportation costs competitive across many industries, supports long-term affordability for consumers, and helps retain and grow jobs.
Kevin Gershowitz, president of Gershow Recycling, highlighted the importance of rail freight to the company’s recycling operations and long-term growth.
“Rail freight is essential,” Gershowitz said. “We have made significant investments in our rail infrastructure, providing an efficient means of transportation for the recycled products that Gershow manufactures. This investment provides access to manufacturing markets, across the United States, in a transportation mode that is both environmentally and economically friendly while reducing impacts on surrounding communities and Long Island’s greatly overburdened roadways. It is encouraging to see County Executive Romaine recognize the importance of these investments and the role rail plays in Long Island’s future.”
The meeting also underscored the role of New York & Atlantic Railway in operating freight rail service across Long Island in coordination with the Long Island Rail Road, the busiest commuter railroad in the U.S.
“New York & Atlantic Railway is highly adept at moving freight efficiently and effectively in collaboration with the Long Island Rail Road in its mission to transport passengers,” stated Marlon Taylor, president of New York & Atlantic Railway. “We have the capacity to increase freight movement by rail on Long Island and are ready to support that growth. Expanding rail freight strengthens the regional economy, reduces truck traffic, and provides numerous benefits to communities across the Island.”
In addition to reviewing current operations, the discussion included opportunities to expand rail freight throughout Long Island, strengthening the regional economy, opening new markets, improving quality of life, and ensuring the transportation network can support future demand.