Pennsylvania’s Governor Edward Rendell announced the issuing of $10 million in grant money that will target improving rail service in the state. A total of 40 grants were issued and are part of the Department of Transportation's Rail Freight Assistance program.
"Businesses need dependable rail service to expand their markets and this $10 million investment will be an economic generator that attracts new businesses and jobs to the commonwealth," Governor Rendell said. "Rail service provides one of the most direct transportation links for importing goods from around the world and exporting goods made in Pennsylvania."
This is the second consecutive year the state-funded Rail Freight Assistance program awarded at least $10 million. Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation with more than 5,000 track miles.
Of the 40 grants that were announced, four recipients will use the money to boost the movement of recyclables. The four are the following:
-- Greco Recycling Service Inc., Springdale, will receive $169,700 to restore a siding, complementing an expansion of the yard and allowing the recycling plant to move scrap by rail.
-- Fairless Iron and Metal LLC, Morrisville, will receive $200,000 for the continuation of rehabilitation of tracks within the plant facility. The company says business has increased over the past several years and a second shift is needed to more efficiently remove construction debris and scrap metal by rail.
-- Waya Ventures LP, Bensalem Township, will receive $250,000 for the construction of approximately 8,000 feet of track so it can load construction and demolition materials into railcars and ship the debris out of state.
-- Standard Steel LLC, Burnham, will receive $210,000 for the rehabilitation of rail infrastructure within the manufacturing facility. The company receives rail cars of scrap steel and ships finished products via rail. All operations within the factory are rail dependent.