Rendell Administration Announces Funds for Four Rail Freight Improvement Projects

63 New Jobs Expected

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 -- Pennsylvania State Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. today announced that more than $860,000 was awarded for projects that will help preserve rail freight service and stimulate economic development across Pennsylvania. The four projects are expected to create 63 jobs and retain nearly 900 jobs.

"The vital role of freight railroads in Pennsylvania's total transportation system cannot be overstated," Biehler said. "Trains move freight within the state and across the nation, energizing our economy, cutting highway wear and reducing traffic congestion."

  Biehler listed the rail freight grant recipients as:

      Allegheny County
   -- $250,000 to LaFarge North America, Towson, MD - to rehabilitate and
      construct track and to construct a scale to serve a new cement and
      aggregate distribution facility at the Pittsburgh and Ohio Central
      Railroad's Scully Yard near Chartiers.

      Bucks County
   -- $203,000 to George S. Coyne Chemical Company Inc., Fairless Hills - to
      rehabilitate track and construct a loading/unloading facility to serve
      a new chemical distribution center in Falls Township.

      Columbia County
   -- $185,440 to Magee Reiter Automotive Systems, Bloomsburg - for track
      improvements and construction of a loading/unloading facility that
      will support a distribution center for the automotive carpet
      manufacturer's three satellite facilities.

      Philadelphia County
   -- $225,960 to Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Philadelphia - for
      switch and track improvements that will facilitate increased
      commercial and military cargo loads at the Packer Avenue Marine
      Terminal.

  CONTACT:  Kirk Wilson, PA Dept. of Transportation, +1-717-783-8800.