The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently awarded McKean County an $11.9 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant. The grant funds projects that improve passenger and freight rail safety, efficiency, and reliability.
“Reliable infrastructure is necessary to continue safely moving freight throughout our region,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) said. “This investment will better connect freight service, greatly improve safety, and bolster our capacity for increased commerce in North Western Pennsylvania. This grant is a real victory and I commend the McKean County Commissioners and Economic Development Organization for their persistence with this project.”
Sherri Geary, McKean County director of Economic Development, submitted the application on behalf of McKean County. She calls it one of the proudest moments of her career.
Geary said the grant will have a positive impact on the region, represents a transformational economic development opportunity for McKean, Venango and Crawford counties, and will reduce truck traffic on the region’s roadways.
The county will use the funds for the McKean, Venango, and Crawford counties’ Freight Rail Capacity and Safety Enhancement Project that will improve rail service in rural communities.
Thompson corresponded with FRA Administrator Ronald Batory in October to advocate for the grant.