Thirty-Nine Rail Freight Projects Approved For State Funding; Action Sustains Nearly 34,000 Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett announced today that 39 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain nearly 34,000 jobs across Pennsylvania were approved for funding from two PennDOT-managed programs.

"Transportation is a proven economic driver and these investments will help these companies maintain and create more jobs,'' Corbett said. "Ensuring that these facilities and assets are ready to meet consumer demands is vital to keeping our state competitive."

The State Transportation Commission (STC) voted Thursday to approve nearly $35.9 million for 13 projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and 26 projects through the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). RTAP is a capital budget grant program funded with bonds and RFAP is underwritten through the new Multimodal Fund, created by Act 89.

"We have continued investments in Pennsylvania's rail network because it helps keep our transportation assets strong as a whole," Corbett said. "Since January 2011 we've invested over $167 million in rail and Act 89 will help us continue those efforts."

Last November, Corbett signed Act 89, a far-reaching transportation program that clears the way for significant investments in all transportation modes.

For more information, visit http://www.dot.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Rich Kirkpatrick or Erin Waters-Trasatt, PennDOT 717-783-8800 Steve Chizmar, Governor's Office 717-783-1116

Editor's Note: Following is a by-county list of approved rail freight projects under the programs with the state share:

RTAP Projects:

Allegheny County

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Thirty-Nine Rail Freight Projects Approved For State Funding; Action Sustains Nearly 34,000 Jobs