Eleven rail projects will restore or expand rail service in 10 counties with a $12.9 million state investment from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Rail Freight Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Thursday.
"Investing in freight rail infrastructure makes businesses more competitive and pays huge economic dividends for communities," Governor Rendell said. "These investments will help businesses safely and efficiently handle more freight which would otherwise travel by truck on our already congested highways and bridges."
The capital budget program is funded through state capital bond dollars repaid through General Fund revenues. The grants, which are authorized by the General Assembly, are administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Rail Freight. The grants were approved today by the State Transportation Commission.