For immediate release:
Governor Rendell Announces Restoration of Key Rail Freight Line
474 words
21 July 2005
HOMER CITY, Pa., July 21 -- Gov. Edward G. Rendell today joined Indiana County officials to mark the reopening of a rail freight link in Indiana County that will help boost the region's economy -- retaining 700 jobs and creating 70 new ones -- while addressing its concerns about heavy truck traffic. This was the governor's first stop along a five-day economic stimulus tour across western Pennsylvania to announce new jobs and spotlight Pennsylvania's growing economy.
"Today, we mark completion of the reconstruction of 16 miles of rail line between Indiana and Homer City," Rendell said at a grand reopening ceremony. "My administration, the federal government and the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad joined in making this improvement possible. This is one more step in our journey to a New Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania with a thriving economy and good paying, family-sustaining jobs."
The B&P will deliver coal to the Homer City Generating Station, operated by EME Homer City Generation L.P.
Rendell said the $9.6 million railroad infrastructure improvement project was financed with state and federal grants and private funds from the B&P Railroad. Work included installation of 16 miles of continuous welded rail, 41,000 ties and 10 new switches. Thirty-four public and private road crossings have been rehabilitated. Five new bridge decks have been installed, and approximately 30,000 tons of ballast has been spread over the line.
"This was an opportunity where state government, joined by the Federal Railroad Administration and the B & P Railroad, made a targeted investment that will build our economy and create new jobs," Rendell said. "The project itself created 240 construction jobs. We're looking at retaining the current 700 jobs and expect as many as 70 new jobs between the railroad and the electric utility."
Rendell noted another benefit of rail transportation is removing an estimated 80,000 trucks a year from the region's highways. The environmental benefits include reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, reducing wear and tear on roadways and reducing fuel usage.
The start of service will mark the first time in about a dozen years that trains have crossed Indiana streets and nearby rural roads. The railroad and PennDOT's Operation Lifesaver have worked with local elected officials, Indiana University representatives, police, firefighters and emergency medical providers to teach residents, students and motorists how to safely deal with train traffic.
Two or three 40-car trains per week are expected to pass through the borough, including the university campus, crossing 19 borough streets, state and township roadways and a dozen private roads, including farm lanes.
CONTACT: Kate Philips
717-783-1116
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
CONTACT: Kate Philips of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116
Governor Rendell Announces Restoration of Key Rail Freight Line
474 words
21 July 2005
HOMER CITY, Pa., July 21 -- Gov. Edward G. Rendell today joined Indiana County officials to mark the reopening of a rail freight link in Indiana County that will help boost the region's economy -- retaining 700 jobs and creating 70 new ones -- while addressing its concerns about heavy truck traffic. This was the governor's first stop along a five-day economic stimulus tour across western Pennsylvania to announce new jobs and spotlight Pennsylvania's growing economy.
"Today, we mark completion of the reconstruction of 16 miles of rail line between Indiana and Homer City," Rendell said at a grand reopening ceremony. "My administration, the federal government and the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad joined in making this improvement possible. This is one more step in our journey to a New Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania with a thriving economy and good paying, family-sustaining jobs."
The B&P will deliver coal to the Homer City Generating Station, operated by EME Homer City Generation L.P.
Rendell said the $9.6 million railroad infrastructure improvement project was financed with state and federal grants and private funds from the B&P Railroad. Work included installation of 16 miles of continuous welded rail, 41,000 ties and 10 new switches. Thirty-four public and private road crossings have been rehabilitated. Five new bridge decks have been installed, and approximately 30,000 tons of ballast has been spread over the line.
"This was an opportunity where state government, joined by the Federal Railroad Administration and the B & P Railroad, made a targeted investment that will build our economy and create new jobs," Rendell said. "The project itself created 240 construction jobs. We're looking at retaining the current 700 jobs and expect as many as 70 new jobs between the railroad and the electric utility."
Rendell noted another benefit of rail transportation is removing an estimated 80,000 trucks a year from the region's highways. The environmental benefits include reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, reducing wear and tear on roadways and reducing fuel usage.
The start of service will mark the first time in about a dozen years that trains have crossed Indiana streets and nearby rural roads. The railroad and PennDOT's Operation Lifesaver have worked with local elected officials, Indiana University representatives, police, firefighters and emergency medical providers to teach residents, students and motorists how to safely deal with train traffic.
Two or three 40-car trains per week are expected to pass through the borough, including the university campus, crossing 19 borough streets, state and township roadways and a dozen private roads, including farm lanes.
CONTACT: Kate Philips
717-783-1116
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
CONTACT: Kate Philips of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116
~Ken :: Fairmont ex-UP/MP C436 MT-14M1 ::
Black River Railroad Historical Trust :: [/url]
Black River Railroad Historical Trust :: [/url]
