(The following story appeared on the Connellsville Daily Courier website on December 18.)
CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced the investment of $20 million to help seven railroads and five businesses undergo rail-freight improvement projects.
The State Transportation Commission approved the grants.
Locally, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. will receive $1 million for the removal and reconstruction of the long siding at Radebaugh on the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad to allow for improved rail storage and interchange with Norfolk Southern Railroad.
The grants are administered by PennDOT’s Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports & Waterways. Pennsylvania leads the nation with more than 65 operating railroads and ranks fifth in the nation with more than 6,000 track miles. More than 7,500 Pennsylvanians are employed by freight railroads.