RAIL GRANT AWARDED FOR LOCAL BRANCH

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 27 – State Sen. Connie Williams noted the importance of shortline railroads to the local economy and area businesses in announcing a grant had been awarded for a project on the Chester Valley Branch of the Penn Eastern Rail Lines, Inc.

 “Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure provides a myriad of opportunities and alternatives for both commuters and businesses,” Williams said. “From roads, to waterways, to the skies and rail, we have it all. One aspect that is critical, especially to business, is shortline railroads, which essentially provide connectors to move goods.”

 During the latest round of state grant awards, Penn Eastern Rail Lines, Inc. was awarded $231,315 under the 2004 Rail Freight Assistance Program. Funds will be used to support economic growth as well as help reduce congestion on highways. The overall grant is expected to create 10 new jobs, maintain 450 jobs and reduce highway congestion by approximately 1,427 truck trips annually.

 Of that overall grant, the Chester Valley Branch in Bridgeport will receive about $69,300 for a $99,000 project to construct a passing track. The remainder of the project will be financed with federal funds. The branch is a 2.14 mile rail line.

 During the current round of RFAP awards, the state Department of Transportation awarded a total of $7.4 million to 40 of the over 90 projects that competed for state rail freight assistance under this year’s program.