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The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority was awarded state funding for track maintenance and repairs as part of rail freight improvements projects announced Thursday by Gov. Tom Wolf.
The authority oversees the Luzerne County Rail Corp. They contracted with the Luzerne and Susquehanna Railway Co. to operate the short line railroad that serves businesses throughout the county.
A total of $311,500 will be used by the Authority to replace 1,500 ties, surface 5 miles of track and rehabilitate a culvert. The local project was among the 26 statewide approved for funding.
Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, more than any other state in the country, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“Investing in our extensive rail freight system increases mobility options and improves the efficiency of freight travel,” Wolf said in a news release. “These investments underscore our continued commitment to building a world-class infrastructure system that supports the business community and the creation of new jobs.”