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Casey, Fetterman announce $144M grant to expand Amtrak's Philadelphia to Pittsburgh service
U.S. Sens Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) on Wednesday announced a $143.6 million Federal Railroad Administration grant for track and safety improvements that will support expanded Amtrak passenger service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be used to improve tracks owned by Norfolk Southern Corp. to accommodate a second daily passenger train between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh on Amtrak's Pennsylvanian service. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will pay about 20% of the cost, according to a statement from Casey's Office. Casey and Fetterman also announced a $500,000 grant from the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development program to plan expansions of Amtrak's Pennsylvanian and Keystone services along the Philadelphia to Pittsburgh route in smaller communities such as Altoona, Lancaster and Johnstown. "I fought for this funding because when Pennsylvanians can move quickly and easily across the state for work, study, or travel our Commonwealth thrives," Casey said. "Improving rail service means more jobs, more economic opportunities, and more time spent with family for urban and rural communities alike." Fetterman said Amtrak riders would see numerous benefits from the investment including safer, faster, and more reliable transportation and stronger local economies.
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