The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will host a virtual public informational meeting to discuss updates to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 5:30 pm.
The public can offer input through an online survey through Dec. 19.
PennDOT is in the process of developing a new Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. PennDOT is working with the Federal Railroad Administration on the update.
Gathering input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment, and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan, PennDOT explained in a release. The 2025 plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs over the next 20 years to guide investments.
“Pennsylvania’s rail freight network supports family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in the release. “This plan is critical to a successful rail freight network in the state, and we encourage folks to join the virtual meeting.”
An introduction of the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail will be presented during the first half of the meeting, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session between the project team and members of the public. Project staff hope to gain input on the opportunities, priorities, and investment needs for the Pennsylvania rail system.
Participants should visit the Zoom meeting link prior to the meeting start time. The public is encouraged share the meeting link with other interested parties.
The virtual public informational meeting presentation materials and an online survey will be available on the State Rail Plan website at advancingparail.com. The meeting materials and an online survey will be available on the State Rail Plan website through Dec. 19.
Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov.
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