U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced a $6.8m grant to upgrade freight rail services in four Pennsylvania counties.
These counties support the Marcellus Shale, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits growing in demand, which rail transportation will aid.
The project includes 200 miles of track improvements and bridge rehabilitation.
It is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs in Pennsylvania. These upgrades will expand the capacity, efficiency and safety of Pennsylvania’s short line rail network in Lycoming, Centre, Blair and Northumberland.
“Projects like this advance President Obama’s vision to create jobs, support U.S. energy sources and reinvigorate the economy,” said Secretary LaHood.
“Building an innovative, transportation network with world-class railways will help local businesses compete now and in the future.”
The grant, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) programme, will be matched by $4.6 million from the Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority.
Under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s popular TIGER II program, $600 million has been awarded to 42 capital construction projects and 33 planning projects in 40 states for crucial upgrades to highways, bridges, transit systems, rail lines, bicycle and pedestrian paths and ports.
TIGER II grants were awarded to projects that promote innovative, multimodal transportation, increase energy efficiency and provide significant economic benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.
