August 12, 2009
Governor Rendell says new intermodal yard in Franklin County will boost state’s economy
GREENCASTLE, Franklin County -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today joined executives from Norfolk Southern Corp. in announcing the railroad’s plans to build a new intermodal terminal in Greencastle as part of its far-reaching Crescent Corridor initiative to establish a high-speed intermodal rail freight route between the Gulf Coast and the Northeastern U.S.
Norfolk Southern announced the 200-acre site where the $95 million facility will be built.
“The commonwealth, Norfolk Southern and the federal government are partnering to build this $95 million intermodal facility and investing $63 million in improvements to existing Norfolk Southern yards in Harrisburg and Philadelphia,” Governor Rendell said. “Construction on this site will start next year and by 2015, the intermodal yard will employ 600 Pennsylvanians.”
Governor Rendell has requested $45 million over three years toward the Crescent Corridor, which will be matched by Norfolk Southern’s $79 million and an anticipated $61 million in federal support.
Governor Rendell also will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Crescent Corridor. The money would come from the $1.5 billion discretionary transportation program for projects of regional or national significance.
Since Governor Rendell took office, the commonwealth’s annual investment in the Rail Freight Assistance Program has nearly tripled from $4.25 million to $11 million a year, and Capital Budget funding has increased three-fold from $10 million to $30 million a year.
“Investing in rail freight pays big dividends for our economy and the environment,” Governor Rendell said. “Over the next 10 years, the Crescent Corridor could mean up to 26,000 jobs created or enhanced in Pennsylvania. Moving freight off of our highways eases congestion and saves pavement wear and tear. And we cut greenhouse gases. Once implemented, the Crescent Corridor holds the promise of saving the U.S. more than 170 million gallons of fuel a year and reducing 110,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.”
Governor Rendell noted that Norfolk Southern is a vital corporate citizen of Pennsylvania, with more than 2,300 miles of track, 5,400 employees and an annual payroll of nearly $290 million. Norfolk Southern has partnered with economic development agencies and private developers in Pennsylvania to attract $3.8 billion in investment in new or expanded industries over the last 10 years, creating an estimated 4,800 jobs.
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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.
Original press realease can be found here.