Pennsylvania Awards Money for Rail Projects

On behalf of Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, state Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler, announced that $7.4 million has been awarded for projects that will help preserve rail-freight service and stimulate economic development across Pennsylvania. The 40 projects are expected to create 1,970 jobs.

"Railroads and their intermodal transportation connections play an important role in building a strong jobs climate in Pennsylvania," Secretary Biehler said. "Transportation is an important ingredient in the economic- development mix. Keeping short-line and regional railroads in good operating condition means we're keeping the freight moving, supporting employers, jobs and families."

PennDOT's Rail Freight Assistance Program funding will be used for the construction, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of rail lines, rail sidings and grade crossings.

Several of the projects and companies receiving financing are the following:

Goodman Services Inc., Bradford, PA, received $210,350, to construct a rail spur for more efficient rail service to the scrap metal and paper recycling plant.

Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC, of Hanover, $245,000, for the construction of track and a hopper car unloading pit to provide rail service to the Hanover Quarry in Oxford Township, PA.

Tech Industries, Inc., Pittsburgh, $250,000, for rehabilitation of track and construction of a spur and turnout to allow the metal treatment facility to ship via rail.

ISG, Coatesville, $216,111, to rehabilitate track within the steel mill operation to accommodate 286,000 lbs. load.

Concrete Services Corporation, of Fairview, $250,000, to construct a rail siding to serve a concrete plant and a 150-acre brownfield site in Fairview and Girard townships.

HUD, Inc. t/a Emerald Anthracite II, of Nanticoke, $249,900, for the construction of track and an unloading facility to enable Nanticoke Intermodal Facility to receive fly ash and ship anthracite mine waste.