The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports and Waterways recently awarded R.J. Corman Railroad Co. $3.005 million in Rail Transportation Assistance and Rail Freight Assistance grants.
The company will use the funding for its Lehigh Tie Project in Bradford and Wyoming counties. The program will rehabilitate approximately 22 miles of track along the Lehigh Line, and work includes improvements to ties, ballast and surfacing.
Following the grant award announcement, area lawmakers commented.
“This shortline railroad is a vital component of our local energy economy,” state Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Wayne County) said. “It supports area jobs, sustains product suppliers and helps residents and commercial enterprises with their energy costs. These investments are crucial to keep the traffic moving at capacity and ensuring safety.”
“By strengthening these critical rail lines, we are supporting job creation, business growth and a more reliable supply chain across the region,” state Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming).
“Rail transport is vital to our commonwealth’s and our country’s transportation network,” state Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga) said. “The efficient and effective movement of goods means more jobs and opportunities across the Northern Tier.”
There are 65 railroads operating in Pennsylvania, the most in the United States with more than 5,600 miles of track.