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The New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) is seeking proposals from qualified operators to reactivate and provide rail service on the Staten Island Railroad (SIRR), according to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

NYCEDC and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey plan to re-establish rail service in late 2005 after upgrading and re-configuring the railroad's lines. In April 2004, the parties entered into a joint funding agreement to restore rail service to Howland Hook and New York City.

NYCEDC and the port authority plan to build and rehabilitate eight track miles, rebuild the Arlington classification yard and Arthur Kill lift bridge in New York City, and construct a connector track to Norfolk Southern Railway's and CSX Transportation's Chemical Coast Line in New Jersey.

Request for proposals (RFP) materials will be available from NYCEDC Jan. 24. Proposals are due March 21. The successful bidder will enter into an operating agreement with NYCEDC to provide rail service on SIRR.

For more information, call 212-312-3969 or visit the RFP Web site at www.nycedc.com/SIRRrfp.

SIRR was abandoned by its previous operator in the 1990s. The railroad will serve Arlington Yard and an intermodal terminal being built by the port authority.