HARRISBURG – Two projects to construct a new rail siding to transport anthracite coal for steel manufacturing and improve traffic flow and safety at a Rush Township intersection were awarded highly competitive state funding today, according to Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
Lehigh Anthracite was awarded $500,000 to construct a rail siding comprised of 1,200 feet of track, supporting the moving of specially processed anthracite coal to steel manufacturers by rail instead of by truck. This project will create new jobs in the area and reduce both traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.
Provco Pinegood Tamaqua, LLC was awarded $500,000 to widen Claremont Avenue (State Route 309) to allow separate left turn and right turn lanes onto Tide Road. These improvements will reduce traffic congestion and make both motorists and pedestrians safer. A major convenience store with gas will soon be built near this intersection, necessitating these upgrades.
“Transportation is often discussed in the context of big cities, but it’s just as important in our rural communities,” Barton said. “These dollars are going toward two major projects in our area. One will make shipping goods by rail through Tamaqua much easier, while the other will provide another safe choice for food and fuel for folks in Rush Township. This type of work will have a much bigger impact here than it would in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.”
“These projects will create many new jobs and make our traveling in our area safer,” said Argall. “I’m grateful Rep. Barton and I were able to work with local leaders to secure this highly competitive state funding.”
This funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation. The grants were approved during a public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority today, an independent agency with fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Jake Gillespie (Barton)