This year's grant likely will cover the cost of the upgrade, depending on the bidding process. Under the program, funding can be used for construction, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of rail lines, rail sidings and grade crossings. Pennsylvania leads the nation with 70 operating railroads and ranks fifth in the nation in total track mileage, with 5,600 miles of track traversing the state. Railroads were once the main form of transportation used for everything from transporting goods, to recreation and business travel. Today, we're learning that the railroads continue to provide an economic benefit to our communities and add to the economic growth and marketability of an area.
Railroads are still an integral part of our local and statewide transportation system.
The Carbon County Railroad Commission should be commended for their role in protecting and upgrading this important transportation mode.