In the News
Rep. Cartwright lauds $3.7M RACP grant to upgrade NEPA Amtrak CorridorThe Times Leader
Mount Pocono, PA,
October 31, 2022
U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, this week applauded a $3.7 million grant awarded to the Monroe County Industrial Development Authority from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office to construct a new railroad line in the Poconos. The funding, through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), will support the purchase and installation of railroad ties along the Pocono Mainline to provide required upgrades for the new Amtrak Corridor passenger train service to Northeastern Pennsylvania. “This 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,” Cartwright said. “This award adds to the building momentum and is a crucial step forward. ” Amtrak’s analysis of the corridor estimates about 425,000 riders a year would travel at least part of the Scranton-to-New York City route. The route would inject $87 million a year into the economy and $2.9 billion in economic activity during the construction phase. Development in the Poconos in anticipation of tourism from northern New Jersey and New York City is already accelerating, with a recent billion-dollar announcement coming from the Margaritaville Resorts group for an expansive complex in Pocono Township, Pennsylvania. |