CORTLAND, NY (CortacaToday) — A stretch of Cortland railway is getting upgraded.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced nearly four million dollars in federal funding to modernize the freight corridor between Cortland and Syracuse. Schumer says the money, which comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act, will increase the railway’s safety and benefit Cortland by reducing truck traffic.

“The feds just greenlit the third and final phase of a major rail modernization project for the NYSW railway’s corridor between Cortland and Syracuse,” Schumer said. “Many of the rail tracks are old – dating back to the early 1900s – and in need of major repair, which is why I’m proud to deliver almost $4 million from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to increase the railway’s safety and capacity, to help ensure major manufacturing projects like Micron’s historic $100+ billion investment and many more can have access to the modern freight rail infrastructure they need.”

Bob Haight, who’s CEO of the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, touted how one of the improvements in Cortland’s relationship with Onondaga County.

“The Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, speaking on behalf of our business community, is very appreciative of Senator Schumer’s efforts to secure funding to complete the final phase of the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad’s main line modernization between Cortland and Syracuse,” Haight said. ““This modernization will more closely tie us to Onondaga County and its rapidly growing tech industry, including companies like Micron. It will also benefit the local employers who currently make use of the railroad, help attract new business and investment to our community, and preserve jobs while setting the stage for growth here in Cortland.”

Sen. Schumer made the announcement on Monday at the Old Susquehanna Train Station on Central Ave. in Cortland.