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OP-ED |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Sen. Ray Musto State
Rep. Mike Carroll |
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Local railroads are partners in economic development projects
Creating and maintaining a solid infrastructure is a significant piece of the puzzle to a healthy economy. Because energy costs are always a major concern, many Pennsylvania companies and manufacturers are looking to one of the most economic means of transportation in order remain competitive – railroads.
These once forgotten giants are coming back in full force despite years of neglected infrastructure. Coupling new and existing businesses with existing rail lines requires a public-private partnership that must be advanced.
Recently, the Delaware and Hudson Railway, a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which runs from the Port of Philadelphia north to the New York border, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Valley Distributing and Storage Co. and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
This ceremony officially inaugurated a new 6,600-foot railroad siding in Laflin that will increase rail capacity at Valley Distributing and Storage Co., reduce railroad operating congestion, and allow for additional industrial growth along the rail-served corridor. The total project cost of nearly $2 million was shared among Pennsylvania, Valley Distributing and Storage Co. and the railroad. This project is one of a four-part public-private partnership program that increased the fluidity and the number of trains that can be handled on the Binghamton, N.Y.-Philadelphia corridor.
The Reading and Northern Railroad also partnered with Avoca borough and the Commonwealth to complete the realignment of a track section that allows for the free flow of Mill Creek under Route 11. This project will not only help prevent flooding in Avoca but preserves the integrity of the railroad thereby preventing derailments or service disruptions for several major employers on the Susquehanna line including Procter and Gamble.
Similar successes for the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority, which oversees the Luzerne County Rail Corp., highlight the need and benefit rail freight enhancements have for area employers, their employees and customers. Air Products, Modern Gas, Bridon American, Letica and other area employers have been the direct beneficiary of rail freight enhancements that keep people working.
Each year the state approves several public-private rail improvement partnerships for projects that would not be completed otherwise. The state has two funding sources specifically tailored toward funding railroad and rail-associated projects – Rail Freight Assistance Program and Transportation Assistance Program Funding. Generally, these funding programs require a 70-30 match in state funds and private company funds. Each year a variety of projects are chosen by PennDOT to be funded after an extensive application and presentation process.
Overall, the revitalization and growth of railroads is something Pennsylvania must continue to embrace. Public-private partners are a win-win for the rail freight industry in Pennsylvania as well as the customers that depend on their services.
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