Malagari, Hanbidge announce $483K grant to rehabilitate area railroad

HARRISBURG, JAN. 12 – State Reps. Steve Malagari and Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today announced that the Pennsylvania Northeastern railroad received a $483,000 grant to replace approximately 6,000 ties on its Stony Creek and Bethlehem branches.

“The Pennsylvania Northeastern railroad operates throughout Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties, so it’s a major contributor to our regional economy,” Hanbidge said. “This $483,000 to help upgrade the Stony Creek and Bethlehem branches will ensure that employees can do their jobs safely and communities throughout the area can continue receiving essentials that this freight line delivers.”

“Many Montgomery County residents not only depend on the Pennsylvania Northeastern railroad for income, but also for the delivery of goods like food, lumber and paper products,” Malagari said. “Ensuring the functionality of local freight lines is essential for both our local economy and the prosperity of our community.”

Pennsylvania Northeastern railroad was one of 26 rail freight improvement projects to receive funding. The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $31.3 million for the projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program.

For more information on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation rail grant programs, residents may visit the PennDOT website then click on the “Doing Business” tab and Rail Freight and Ports link.