Gov. Cuomo joins call for Rochester Amtrak station to be named after Rep. Louise Slaughter

Lauren Peace | Democrat and Chronicle

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for Amtrak to rename the Rochester Intermodal Station after the late U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, who died Friday. She was 88 years old.

In an open letter issued by Cuomo to Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson on Sunday, Cuomo joined Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand in urging the station name be changed in honor of the former representative who worked to secure better public transportation in the region. Slaughter helped get $18 million in federal money to see the station open in October 2017.

Remembering Louise Slaughter: Lovely Warren Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren reacts to the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.

"The New York community continues to mourn the passing of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. She was a larger than life presence who made all New Yorkers proud over her decades of service," wrote Cuomo. "The beautiful new station, which the congresswoman and I opened in October, is a gateway to the Finger Lakes — welcoming passengers with a better travel experience, improved rail service and a world-class facility. Thanks to the congresswoman's tireless dedication to this project, Rochester finally has a train station of the caliber the region deserves."

He went on to write: "It is fitting that this shining example of Rochester's revitalization bear the name of a leader who was integral to making it happen — Congresswoman Louise Slaughter."

More: Rep. Louise Slaughter of New York dies at 88: She 'was a giant'

More: Here's what you need know about Rep. Louise Slaughter's congressional legacy

Previously: Rep. Louise Slaughter hospitalized after falling at her home

Follow Lauren Peace on Twitter: @LaurenMPeace