CONSHOHOCKEN PROJECT INCLUDED IN PENNDOT PROGRAM

HARRISBURG, DEC. 7 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced that a Montgomery County project was one of 14 approved in the second phase of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's 2006 Rail Freight Assistance Program.

"Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a variety of transportation choices – from highways to railways and from navigable waterways to the air," Williams said. "The transportation infrastructure has aided in the growth of the economy and made Pennsylvania a logical choice for companies looking for a good place to open shop."

"By combining modes of transportation the Commonwealth will realize a bigger return on its investment, while removing congestion from our highways," Williams said. "The Rail Freight Assistance Program provides additional incentive to rethink how we look at transportation options and find ways to combine options to save money and wear and tear on Pennsylvania roadways and bridges."

ISG Plate Inc. was selected for a $154,035 grant, with state funds to be used for track rehabilitation at the Conshohocken plant. The rehabilitation will help to ensure safe, reliable shipments of raw materials from the Coatesville factory.

The completed project will help create five jobs, maintain 1,100 jobs and reduce the number of truck trips required by 12,000 trips annually.

Funding for 14 projects was included in the second phase of PENNDOT's 2006 Rail Freight Assistance Program, which was recently approved by the State Transportation Commission. The second phase was funded with a $2.69 million state investment.