Thirty-three Rail Freight Projects Approved For State Funding Through Three Programs; Action Sustains Roughly 43,000 …

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Governor Tom Corbett announced today that 33 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain more than 43,000 jobs across Pennsylvania were approved today for funding from three PennDOT-managed programs.

"Pennsylvania has more operating railroads than any other state, and investing in our rail freight network keeps these invaluable assets in prime position to generate economic growth and jobs,'' Corbett said. "Improving rail networks not only spurs our economy, it also increases safety by helping to ease traffic on our highways."

The State Transportation Commission (STC) voted to approve $33.4 million for 15 projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and 14 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 Multi-Modal Fund, created by Act 89. In November, Corbett signed Act 89, a far-reaching transportation program that clears the way for significant investments in all transportation modes.

Also, the STC approved $1.3 million for four projects from Marcellus Shale impact fees designated for distribution through PennDOT's Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways.

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 three programs with the state share:

RTAP Projects:

Allegheny County

Berks County

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Thirty-three Rail Freight Projects Approved For State Funding Through Three Programs; Action Sustains Roughly 43,000 ...