PennDOT Accepting Rail Freight Grant Applications

HARRISBURG – PennDOT is accepting grant applications for its Rail Freight Assistance Program, which will provide $11 million in funding to help preserve existing rail service, establish new service or expand existing service in the state, according to PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E.

“An investment in rail freight is an investment in Pennsylvania’s economic strength,” Biehler said. “These funds will help rail service providers efficiently move goods around Pennsylvania as well as stimulate further economic growth.”

Applications are due by July 31. Railroad companies, transportation organizations, municipalities, municipal authorities and users of rail freight infrastructure can apply through PennDOT’s dotGrants system.

The new state budget Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed earlier this month boosts a second funding stream, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program, by $10 million to $30 million and includes $3 million for the preservation of railroad bridges. That program will begin accepting applications next month. Total funding available for rail has tripled under Governor Rendell.

Grant funding is provided through the state’s general fund. This is the fourth consecutive year that the assistance program has awarded at least $10 million to rail providers.

Pennsylvania has more than 6,000 rail miles and more than 7,000 Pennsylvanians are employed by freight railroads.

Last fiscal year, 40 grants were awarded under this program, including funding for projects such as:

• Western International Gas & Cylinders in Luzerne County received a $250,000 grant to construct new rail siding, serviced by the North Shore Railroad, to expand its business from Texas and the southeastern United States.

• Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority in Erie County received a $77,860 grant to rehabilitate the CSX-serviced O-N Minerals Stone Dock Railroad Spur for aggregate shipments on Lake Erie.