Casey Lends Support to Increase Freight Traffic and Boost NWPA Economy
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is pushing the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve a grant that would move an inland port project in Erie County forward.
“This grant will help Erie continue to develop its transportation infrastructure, which will attract job-creating industries to the region,” said Senator Casey. “I support this project because of the jobs it will bring and the economic benefit it will provide via increased exports to the entire Pennsylvania economy.”
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Senator Casey expressed support for the Erie County Industrial Development Authority’s (ECIDA) application for a grant to be used for rail and road infrastructure improvements to make the project a reality.
The project could not only bring hundreds of jobs, but it could increase volume, value and diversity of freight traffic in Lake Erie’s ports, Senator Casey wrote in his letter.
Funds are available through the Transportation Investment Generating Recovery IV (TIGER IV) grant program.
Below is the full text of Senator Casey’s letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood:
The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Mr. Secretary:
It is our understanding that the Erie County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) has submitted an application to the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery IV (TIGER IV) grant program through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
We have been informed that the ECIDA will use the funding for rail and road infrastructure in a new 240 acre industrial park. This project is part of the Erie Inland Port Initiative, which is a comprehensive effort to improve the regional economy by using the region’s transportation assets. This initiative will support efforts to increase the volume of freight being exported from Lake Erie’s ports. Furthermore, this project will create jobs and attract more employers to the region.
Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, we also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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