Bizzarro announces $779K in Erie rail improvements

State money will help sustain jobs in Erie, improve freight efficiency

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro    December 14, 2022 | 4:24 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – Two rail infrastructure and freight improvement projects in Erie County have been approved through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and Rail Freight Assistance Program, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced Wednesday afternoon. 

“These grants will allow state money to create jobs here in Erie County, while also improving the efficiency of the supply chain, rail infrastructure and freight efficiency near a new recycling plant,” Bizzarro said. “I’m pleased to see state money returning to Erie County where it will not only help our local communities but also the entire region.”  

The two projects total $779,000 in funding. The projects approved in Erie County include: 

  • $509,000 for IRG Erie to construct rail siding to the new plastic recycling plant. 
  • $270,000 for West Erie Short Line to rehabilitate track, including tie replacement and drainage improvements.  

Including the two projects in Erie, the state approved a total of 24 freight improvement projects Wednesday – helping to sustain more than 340 jobs statewide. The numerous projects will help statewide as Pennsylvania leads the nation with 65 operating railroads, and roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines exist in the state. 

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