Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett announced on Friday that 39 rail freight improvement projects that will sustain approximately 34,000 jobs in the state were recently approved through two Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) programs
On Thursday, the State Transportation Commission approved allocating approximately $35.9 million for 13 projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and 26 projects through the Rail Freight Assistance Program.
“Transportation is a proven economic driver, and these investments will help these companies maintain and create more jobs,” Corbett said. “Ensuring that these facilities and assets are ready to meet consumer demands is vital to keeping our state competitive.”
In November, Corbett signed Act 89 into law. The measure enacted a sweeping transportation plan outlining investments in all modes of transportation throughout the state.
“We have continued investments in Pennsylvania’s rail network because it helps keep our transportation assets strong as a whole,” Corbett said. “Since January 2011 we’ve invested over $167 million in rail, and Act 89 will help us continue those efforts.”
Additionally, Corbett announced a 12-year transportation program last week that anticipates the allocation of $63.2 billion in improvements to roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and railroads.
The plan, which takes effect on October 1, calls for $12.3 billion to be made available for highway and bridge projects over the first four years. During the same period, there will be $7.9 billion invested into public transit, $370 million in aviation and $228 million in rail-freight systems.