CENTRE COUNTY — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced on Dec. 18, 2024, the allocation of funds and approval of 30 railroad improvement projects across the Commonwealth, aiming to bolster freight mobility and both create and sustain 344 Pennsylvanian jobs.
According to PennDOT, with 5,600 miles of freight lines and 65 actively operating railroads, Pennsylvania has more than any other state.
“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” Mike Carroll, PennDOT secretary, said in a statement following the announcement of the funding. “These investments will create opportunities for generations of Pennsylvanians to come and will provide key mobility across the Commonwealth.”
The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $55 million for projects across the state through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program, one of which will impact the Centre County area.
For the region, the Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority was awarded $2 million to rehabilitate seven bridges and one culvert on the Nittany Bald Eagle Railroad and the Juniata Valley Railroad.
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority was established in 1983 and serves nine counties in Central Pennsylvania, including Centre County. With more than 200 miles of rail lines, the organization’s mission is to both foster and preserve Central Pennsylvania’s rail services while furthering economic development.
The Nittany Bald Eagle Railroad spans about 73 miles through Blair, Centre and Clinton counties. Notably, the rail line serves the communities of Port Matilda, Milesburg and Mill Hall with a spur that runs to Bellefonte before splitting to Pleasant Gap, Lemont and State College. The Juniata Valley Railroad operates about 11 miles in Mifflin County, serving communities around Lewistown and Burnham.
More information about the funding and PennDOT’s rail grant programs can be found online on the department’s Rail Freight and Ports page.