N.Y.-N.J. Port Authority expanding rail capacity

N.Y.-N.J. Port Authority expanding rail capacity    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Thursday authorized the award of a contract to build two more tracks at the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal’s on-dock rail facility.
   The contract calls for the demolition of four buildings and the construction of tracks 9 and 10. The rail facility’s first eight tracks began service in October 2004. When completed in 2009, the Elizabeth terminal’s rail facility will consist of 18 tracks.
   “Rail is such an important component of our port redevelopment plan that we have authorized approximately $450 million to build new or expanded rail terminals at our port facilities in New York and New Jersey, and we are planning for additional improvements,” said Kenneth J. Ringler Jr., executive director at the port authority.
   “We have pledged to invest all more necessary resources to ensure our port remains the East Coast’s leading destination for international cargo,” Ringler added.