HORNELL — Nearly a year after being named the preferred partner in a landmark contract, Hornell-based rail manufacturer Alstom reportedly is just days away from signing a transformative deal.

On Monday morning, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced that the Amtrak Board of Directors is expected to vote this week to support finalization of negotiations with Alstom to provide new Next Generation High-Speed trains for Amtrak's Acela Express service as part of a $2.5 billion program.

The contract is expected to create over 750 jobs, including 400 jobs directly at Alstom in Hornell, and an additional 350 or more across New York State at subcontracting companies.

Schumer announced that final federal financing approvals have been secured, clearing the way for execution of an agreement between Amtrak and Alstom.

“Amtrak and Alstom signing on the dotted line is the final stop in this long journey to bring hundreds of good paying jobs to the economically struggling Southern Tier,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “This contract is a win-win-win that will improve rail safety, bring jobs to Upstate New York, and improve the Amtrak experience for passengers along the entire Northeast Corridor.”

Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning) joined Schumer in announcing the expected completion of the final step in the federal grant funding process for Alstom in Hornell.

“We join with Senator Schumer in celebrating the near completion of the contract. We care about creating the quality, family-sustaining jobs in our region. This funding recognizes that we have a workforce that is second to none and will have a long lasting positive impact on our community. It’s only right that we continue to stand with Alstom, and celebrate this victory for local workers. We will continue to work together with Senator Schumer, the Department of Transportation, Alstom, Amtrak and our team of local leaders and are proud to bring this investment to our region,” he said.

Reed also credited a grassroots effort to see the project come to fruition.

“We have been working with a team of local leaders on this issue, stewarding the proposal through the process for years. It’s great to see this get to the finish line for the sake of Hornell and so many families in our region,” he said.

At the forefront of the local leadership team were Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan and City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency CEO James W. Griffin.

“We knew it was coming because we met with Alstom officials last week, and they said all the negotiations are done,” Hogan said. “The funding has been approved, but it’s also awaiting review by the Office of Management and Budget and that has to wind its way through, but all systems are ‘go’ and we’re ecstatic.”

Hogan says his confidence never wavered, even as the months of negotiations stretched on.

“One-hundred percent confidence. We knew this was going to happen,” he said.

Griffin was also optimistic, but cautiously so.

“I’m thrilled that they’ve made the announcement, but to the best of my knowledge nothing has been signed or passed,” he said. “Until a contract is signed, you don’t have a contract. We’re anxious for it to happen, but we’ll be happier when we have a signed contract.

The IDA chief deflected praise for the project reaching this milestone back to state and federal officials who helped advance the contract.

“We appreciate Senator Schumer and the governor, who have been a driving force, pushing this from every direction,” he said.

There are apparently some procedural steps left to take place before the award is officially made, but with financing secured, it’s apparent that the process is wrapping up. The Amtrak board is expected to have its Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan approved before voting to award to Alstom this week.

Hogan, who is in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention this week, intends to attend the Amtrak board meeting if possible.

State lawmakers also lauded the long-awaited deal.

“The creation of approximately 400 manufacturing jobs at Alstom is unbelievably great and important news for the Southern Tier economy and especially for Alstom’s workers and their families together with the entire Hornell area. It’s another foundation of manufacturing that’s critically important to job growth in Steuben County, across the Southern Tier and all throughout Upstate New York. It’s an unbelievable testament to the quality of Alstom and its workforce, as well as to the perseverance of Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Mayor Hogan and so many community leaders. Very simply, it’s going to make a huge difference for the future of economic development across the Southern Tier,” said State Senator Tom O'Mara (R-Big Flats).

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) said, "It will be a huge and much needed shot in the arm for our local Southern Tier economy. Turning around the regional and statewide economies has to include a revitalization of the manufacturing sector. Creating 400 new manufacturing jobs at Alstom will strengthen the foundation of Southern Tier manufacturing and ensure that the facility will continue to stand as an economic lifeline for the entire Hornell area. It will be great news for our incredible Alstom employees and their families, and I appreciate the steadfast work of Alstom officials, Senator Schumer, Congressman Reed, Mayor Hogan, Senator O'Mara, Assemblyman Nojay and the team of federal, state and local leaders who provided support every step of the way.”

Because of the sensitive nature of the pending deal, Alstom officials could offer no comment on the particulars of the situation.

“We are not at liberty to comment on any details around this procurement,” said North American Communications Director for Alstom Pete Barkey.

Statements from Amtrak were also not readily available on Monday.

Alstom currently employs approximately 600 people in Hornell, and over 1,000 people in Upstate NY.

With negotiations finished, Alstom and governing officials can turn focus to the proposed Rail Manufacturing Center for Excellence, which will train workers and subcontractors to work on the high speed technology.

“We’re going to have a labor force that needs advanced technical training,” Griffin said.

More than $30 million in New York State’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) funding has been designated for that project, with additional private and local investment expected.

“We've been meeting with Alstom officials right along, so that's moving along as are other issues including housing and downtown revitalization,” Hogan said.