Merski, Harkins: Nearly $800K secured for rail improvements

Rep. Robert Merski    December 14, 2022 | 5:05 PM

ERIE, Dec. 14 – Erie railroads today received two grants totaling $779,000 for upgrades, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today.

The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding approved by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission includes $509,000 to IRG Erie to construct a rail siding to a new plastic recycling plant and $270,000 to West Erie Short Line to rehabilitate approximately 1 mile of track.

“Rail upgrades are essential to keep goods moving smoothly through the supply chain,” Merski said. “The funding awarded today will allow West Erie Short Line to make needed upgrades to a portion of its track by performing tie replacement and drainage improvements.”

Harkins said, “The grants awarded today will allow Erie’s rail infrastructure to keep pace with industry expansion in our district, including rail components to service the new plastic recycling plant. It’s an investment in progress.”

The funding was awarded through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program.

More information on the funding is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/wolf-administration-invests-26-million-in-rail-infrastructure-supporting-business-development-and-more-than-340-jobs-statewide/

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