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Railway enhancement grant to help local area

March 6, 2020

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson announced Thursday that McKean County will receive an $11.9 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Specifically, the funds will be used for the McKean, Venango and Crawford counties' Freight Rail Capacity and Safety Enhancement Project to improve rail service in rural communities, according to a news release from Thompson's office.

In October, Thompson advocated for the grant through correspondence with Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald Batory, the release said.

"This investment will better connect freight service, greatly improve safety and bolster our capacity for increased commerce in northwestern Pennsylvania," Thompson said.

Sherri Geary, director of economic development for McKean County, said the CRISI grant "represents a transformational economic development opportunity for McKean, Venango and Crawford counties. The positive impact on our environment and our roadways will be realized by a reduction in truck traffic."