SEPTA Is Applying for Grant to Help Strengthen Infrastructure against Future Natural Disasters
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Therese W. McMillan, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), supporting Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) grant application that will allow it to conduct a comprehensive infrastructure resilience program to address weather-related vulnerabilities. The program will feature fifteen projects to bolster SEPTA’s transit system.
“With nearly one million Pennsylvanians relying on SEPTA every day, it is essential that we work to prevent disrupted service and ensure safe travel, even in the face of extreme weather,” said Senator Casey. “The cost-effective plan laid out by SEPTA prudently addresses these issues and, given the support of the FTA, should allow for a more efficient and reliable transportation network.”
The full text of the letter can be seen below:
Dear Acting Administrator McMillan:
We to write in support of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) application for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Emergency Relief Program for Resilience Projects in Response to Hurricane Sandy. It is our understanding that SEPTA is seeking federal assistance to execute a comprehensive infrastructure resilience program that will address weather-related vulnerabilities and protect SEPTA’s infrastructure against future natural disasters.
We understand that SEPTA’s Infrastructure Resilience Program is designed to evaluate and mitigate vulnerabilities associated with extreme weather in southeastern Pennsylvania. The program will include 15 selected projects which will reinforce power systems for critical facilities, stabilize embankments prone to erosion, restore track integrity, improve hydrologic conditions, and prevent infrastructure degradation due to water infiltration. SEPTA is the 6th largest public transit system in the nation, it must be able to accommodate the nearly one million Pennsylvanians that rely on it every day. As it appears, this proposal will help SEPTA accommodate its growing demand in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. 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 us informed of the status of this grant application.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
Patrick J. Toomey
United States Senator
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