WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey today announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the state of Pennsylvania $26.4 million in economic recovery funding to develop and construct high-speed rail systems. The funding is contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“I am pleased to see stimulus funds at work for high-speed rail in Pennsylvania,” said Specter. “Investing in the Keystone Corridor is an important step in expanding our state’s high speed rail network. The project will increase jobs in the steel and construction industries, encourage the use of public transportation in this notoriously congested area, and act as a boon to our economy.”
“This funding for the Harrisburg-Philadelphia Keystone Corridor is an important investment that will create immediate jobs and encourage further economic growth along that corridor, while the planning study takes us a step forward toward extension of high speed rail service all the way to Pittsburgh,” said Senator Casey. “High speed rail is an environmentally responsible investment in infrastructure and economic development in the Commonwealth.”
According to DOT, this funding initiates project development for high-speed rail systems, specifically by enhancing the Amtrak line between Harrisburg and Philadelphia to eventually increase the corridor’s maximum operating speed to 125 mph. Preliminary engineering and studies of extension services will improve reliability and trip time reductions. The funding will also be used for a planning study to further the Keystone Corridor high speed rail system to Pittsburgh.
“The Recovery Act was put in place quickly to rescue the economy from the worst recession since the Great Depression and rebuild it for a stronger future,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure is a key part of that prescription for strength. It creates jobs today and builds a better, more sustainable economy moving forward.”
This funding is part of an $8 billion award announcement from the Department of Transportation today for high-speed rail projects throughout the country.
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