HARRISBURG – On Monday Gov. Tom Wolf announced new project approvals through the State Transportation Commission, totaling more than $40 million in funding that will support an estimated 375 jobs in rail freight projects statewide.
“Keeping our extensive rail freight system in good shape is a common-sense way to ensure a sound foundation for the state’s economy,” said Wolf.
“Pennsylvania is ranked first when it comes to operating railroads, and we are committed to working with this vital industry to serve the state’s business community and keep our job picture bright.”
The State Transportation Commission voted Monday to approve $40 million for nine projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and 25 projects through the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
Among the RTAP Projects are:
Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clearfield, Elk, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, and Warren counties
- Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad Co., $1,861,142 to rehabilitate about 220 miles of track by rail grinding and replacing more than 2,700 ties and 35,000 feet of rail.
Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties
- J. Corman Railroad Co., Pennsylvania lines, $1,071,485 to rehabilitate 65 miles of track including ties and ballast.
Among the RFAP projects are:
Clearfield County
- American Rock Salt, $700,000 to rehabilitate 4,500 feet of existing track, construct 1,000 feet of new track and install a new conveyor at an existing Clearfield County transload facility.