HARRISBURG – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) announced today that $7.07 million has been awarded for critical rail infrastructure improvements in the 46th District, strengthening freight movement, enhancing public safety and supporting economic growth across southwest Pennsylvania.
The funding, administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) and Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP), will support two major projects that modernize rail lines and rehabilitate aging bridges essential to regional commerce.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the number of operating railroads and near the top in total track mileage,” Bartolotta said. “Continued investment is critical to keeping our economy moving, and I was proud to strongly support both of these projects. They will sustain jobs, improve safety, reduce highway congestion and ensure local businesses remain competitive.”
The first project provides $1.13 million through RFAP to the Pittsburgh & Ohio Central Railroad Company for improvements along the Arden Subdivision. The investment will replace deteriorating rail and upgrade multiple grade crossings, ensuring continued heavy-freight capacity and supporting hundreds of annual shipments for major local manufacturers.
The second project awards $5.9 million through RTAP to the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway for the rehabilitation of critical rail bridges. The work will improve the safety and reliability of a freight corridor essential to moving coal, steel, aggregates and other commodities that fuel the regional economy, while also reducing strain on local roadways and lowering environmental impacts.
CONTACT:
Brian Tirpak, 724-225-4380