Madden brings home $1.3M grant for freight railroad improvements in tri-county area

MONROE, Jan. 12 – Proving again that state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, delivers grants to businesses, a $1.3 million state grant has been awarded to the Delaware/Lackawanna Railroad by the State Transportation Commission.

The grant will be used for the Pocono Rail Rehabilitation and Capacity Expansion project to construct a 3,900-foot siding to expand capacity and replace approximately 7,440 feet of rail and 1,550 ties. The railroad includes Monroe, Lackawanna and Wayne counties.

“The freight transportation sector is an important component of our economy and investing in our rail system creates jobs, supports businesses and sustains our freight transportation system in Monroe County,” Madden said.

Madden said Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving the state’s 5,600 miles of freight lines.

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