Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Wednesday a $32.5 million state investment in 38 rail projects in 28 counties that will upgrade and add capacity, as well as stimulate local economies and provide as many as 2,500 jobs.
"Transportation investment equals jobs," Governor Rendell said. "The rail freight projects being funded across the state today will help companies create good-paying jobs and inject billions into local economies. These grants are excellent examples of how public-private partnerships can benefit businesses, workers and communities."
More than two-thirds of the funding, $23.9 million, will come from the 2010-2011 Rail Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program funded through state capital bond dollars approved in the General Fund budget.
The remaining $8.6 million comes from the 2011-2012 Rail Freight Assistance Program, which is provided through the state's General Fund. Both grant programs, which are authorized by the General Assembly, are administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Rail Freight.