State to Spend $26.1M to Expand, Improve Rail, Aviation

“Pennsylvania’s numerous transportation options make us a great place to do business and put people to work,” Governor Tom Corbett said. “These projects will supplement the state’s new comprehensive transportation plan which next year, increases dedicated funding for aviation, rail freight and more.

“Having reliable investments will help even more businesses and facilities expand and operate safely because they know Pennsylvania values transportation.”

The grants were approved today by the State Transportation Commission, which evaluates and assesses the resources needed to maintain and expand the state’s transportation system. The 15-member commission includes the Secretary of Transportation, Barry Schoch, 10 private citizens appointed by the governor, and the majority and minority chairs of the state Senate and House Transportation Committees.

The state investments will be distributed through the Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program. Underscoring the cooperation among the private sector and state and local governments, the grants leverage $20.2 million in local investments.

The state has 133 public-use airports and heliports and 15 of those airports have scheduled commercial service. Pennsylvania has 67 operating railroads, the highest number in the nation.

Authorized by the General Assembly, the grants are administered by PennDOT’s Bureaus of Aviation and Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways. 

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us and then click on the “2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program” button, or call 717-783-8800.