In the News

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright on Wednesday said he will attend a public information session and “Rail Rally” hosted by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau to share next steps and answer questions about plans to re-establish passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City.

The event is slated for Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at the Kalahari Convention Center in Pocono Summit. Local and state officials will also be in attendance.

On Tuesday, the Federal Railroad Administration announced the region’s application to enter the Corridor Identification and Development program was approved. This is the federal government’s official priority list for new passenger rail service, made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Cartwright helped pass and it allocates some $66 billion for improvements to national rail lines over the next five years.

“We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something transformational for the economy and quality of life in Northeast Pennsylvania,” Cartwright said. “Connecting our region to major metropolitan areas in a seamless, passenger-friendly system will drive tourism, boost local business opportunities, and encourage investment across the district.”