LIA Press Release: The LIA hosts New York & Atlantic Railway President Marlon Taylor

Long Island Association Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Hosts Marlon Taylor, President of New York and Atlantic Railway

Click for pictures from the event

Melville, NY – The Long Island Association (LIA) recently held an event that focused on the positive economic impact and environmental benefits of the region’s freight rail system, the New York and Atlantic Railway (NYA).  The featured speaker was Marlon Taylor, who became President of the company in June 2024, and spent his career working in the industry on the East and West coasts, starting originally as a conductor.
 
NYA operates freight trains on tracks owned by the Long Island Rail Road through a lease, and it connects to a national transit network. Its operations results in the reduction of 120,000 truck trips in the New York metropolitan region and supports the needs of regional businesses by transporting goods including lumber, paper, building materials, plastic, and food products. It also plays a key role in shipping waste and recyclables off Long Island.
 
LIA President & CEO Matt Cohen said, “As an Island, freight infrastructure is critical to our region’s economic and environmental prosperity, and we thank President & CEO Taylor for his presentation that illuminated the important role NYA plays in sustaining and creating jobs.  Additionally, while the Brookhaven Landfill played an indispensable role in the region’s waste management, concerns about its imminent closure are mitigated by NYA’s proven track record of good community stewardship, environmental protection, and relationships with local businesses.”
 
NYA President Marlon Taylor said, “Rail freight is the hidden backbone of Long Island’s economy by transporting necessary goods, helping businesses, and creating environmental benefits for the region. It was a pleasure to update the Long Island Association and have a conversation with businesses about how NYA supports their growth.”
 
Michael Maturo, Chair of the Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee and President of RXR Realty said, “NYA is a nimble and efficient operation that is essential to Long Island so many different industries can thrive. We thank President Taylor for his time with the Committee members.”
 
Dan Deegan, Co-Vice Chair of the Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee and Partner at Forchelli Deegan Terrana said, “The NYA is partner to Long Island communities and businesses, ensuring resiliency and sustainability, and we support the positive impact of the rail freight system now and in the future.”
 
Ming Chiang, Co-Vice Chair of the Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee and President of Casual Home Worldwide said, “Our supply chain would look much different without NYA, as businesses and residents across Long Island rely on the goods and services carried by NYA daily.”
 
The LIA’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee evaluates innovative ways to grow Long Island’s economy and create good-paying jobs, and examines issues including transportation, housing, real estate, and transformative economic development projects.
 
About the Long Island Association (LIA): The LIA is the region’s leading non-profit and non-partisan business organization since 1926 and advocates for a prosperous business community. The LIA works to ensure the region’s economic vitality.
 
Long Island’s future is our business. www.longislandassociation.org