HARRISBURG – State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced that four District rail freight projects will receive approximately $1.5 million in funding through the state’s Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP), underwritten through the newly created Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF).
“The Multimodal Fund is another example of how transportation dollars can be returned to rural Pennsylvania as the result of Act 89, a new law significantly increasing Pennsylvania’s transportation resources,” Yaw said. “This funding would not be possible if it were not for the strong support of individuals who saw the importance and the need to address a core function of government – the movement of goods and services safely and efficiently across our state and region.”
Yaw noted that the following rail freight projects were awarded funding in the 23rd Senate District:
- Bradford County: Northeast Freight Transfer, Inc., $697,417 to install 1,800 feet of track, a new switch, two conveyors and a track scale.
- Bradford and Wyoming Counties: Lehigh Railway, LLC, $353,500 to rehabilitate, raise, line and surface rail sidings at the Wyoming Terminal.
- Lycoming County: Jersey Shore Steel, $224,000 to construct 800 feet of track providing new rail service at the Montoursville facility.
- Union County: Heller’s Gas Inc., $250,000 to construct a turnout, 500 feet of track as well as improvements for offloading rail cars.
“Pennsylvania’s rail freight system is the fifth largest in the United States containing 6,000 miles of track and more than 60 freight railroad companies,” Yaw added. “Rail service is a critical link for the state’s manufacturing sector and I am proud to represent an important piece of that invaluable transportation network.”
RFAP provides financial assistance to preserve essential rail freight and stimulate economic development through the generation of new or expanded rail freight service.
Financial assistance under the MTF must be matched by local funding in the amount not less than 30 percent of the non-federal share of the project cost.
CONTACT: Rita Zielonis, 717-787-3280