In the News

A state grant will provide half the funding for 43,000 new railroad ties in the Poconos, an infrastructure upgrade that is necessary if Amtrak is to add a passenger route between Scranton and New York City.

The $3.7 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program has been awarded to Monroe County Industrial Development Authority, which is part of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation.

Freight trains currently run on this section of track, along with passenger excursions, “but the key here is Amtrak service requires much higher speeds” said Larry Malski, president of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority.

Amtrak would run at 80 mph on certain long, straight sections of track, Malski said, and the federal government and inspectors require a certain amount of new railroad ties for higher speeds.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-8) said in a statement that the grant “is another great step forward when it comes to restoring passenger rail service to New York and will go towards replacing railroad ties in Lackawanna and Monroe counties.”

“This award adds to the building momentum and is a crucial step forward. I’m grateful for Gov. Wolf’s action and the work done on it by State Representative Maureen Madden, who represents a major part of Monroe County.  A large and diverse group of supporters has come together to ensure we maximize our efforts when it comes to this significant economic development opportunity, and it’s great to have the Pennsylvania executive branch on our side,” added Cartwright, who chairs the Lackawanna Cut-Off Rail Restoration Caucus.