(Apr 13, 2021) Policy Committee
HARRISBURG, April 13 -- Passenger rail has the potential to improve regional access and reduce traffic congestion and state Rep. Joe Ciresi led today’s House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss how the state can get on board. The hearing featured three panels of testifiers highlighting President Joe Biden’s recent infrastructure plan and how rail connection across the state could help rural and suburban areas benefit from economic growth. Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro shared, “Improving passenger rail has the potential to create jobs, streamline commutes and would have a positive environmental impact on the state. I thank Representative Ciresi for hosting today’s hearing and I look forward to continuing this conversation on how investment of state and federal dollars can boost economic development throughout the state.” "I was grateful to the testifiers and the participants in today's hearing for continuing an important conversation about investment in passenger rail service," Ciresi said. "What we learned today is critical to making wise decisions about infrastructure and what is involved to bring much-needed improvements to transportation in many parts of the state, especially in Pottstown, Royersford and other stops on the potential Reading-to-Philadelphia corridor that I've long been working to resurrect. Our partnerships, both with the private sector and our federal elected officials, will be Read more