Casey Seiler is reporting for Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo intends to bring together a panel of experts to "reexamine and rethink strategies to bring high-speed rail to New York." Cuomo announced the latest preview of his upcoming State of the State address, December 26. The announcement said the governor would “task a panel of engineers to reexamine past high-speed rail plans, question and rethink every assumption and method, and recommend a new plan for how to build faster, greener, more reliable high-speed rail in New York.” Cuomo took issue with those who say high-speed rail technology is "too expensive, too difficult and ... take too long." The existing Empire Corridor, the rail lines connecting New York City, Albany and Buffalo, has been criticized as in significant need of infrastructure upgrades. The numerous high-speed rail proposals previously failed due largely to cost and the time needed for construction. Cuomo has rolled out more than a dozen agenda items ahead of his State of the State address. The annual speech will take place at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center Wed., Jan. 8. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.