WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman and U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) on Wednesday announced a $500,000 Corridor ID grant from the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Schuylkill River Passenger Authority (SRPRA) to study a passenger rail corridor from Reading to Philadelphia and New York City. The funding, which will put SRPRA in the pipeline of rail projects ready for implementation, was made possible by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The corridor would connect Reading with Philadelphia, with new stops at Pottstown, Phoenixville, and potentially Norristown, before continuing from Philadelphia to New York through existing rail corridors.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to announce this important grant funding for the passenger rail proposal between Reading and Philadelphia,” said Sen. Fetterman. “This is a huge step towards finally bringing passenger rail back to the Schuylkill River Valley. In my view, the more trains and public transportation options for Pennsylvanians, the better. This project would go a long way in revitalizing communities in Berks and Montgomery Counties.”
“This is huge news. During my five years in office, improving access to our passenger rail system has been a top priority for our community,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “From conversations with so many of my constituents, I know what this means to our local economy and well-being. I am thrilled that my 2021 request for $750,000 in Community Project Funding to provide a grant to study a rail corridor connecting Reading to Philadelphia was approved and is now being implemented.”
In awarding this project Corridor ID funding, the Department of Transportation is making clear that this project is a priority. SRPRA’s selection will also mean the project will be eligible for more federal grants down the line.
Reading last had passenger rail service to Philadelphia in 1983. This investment from the Department of Transportation allows SRPRA to enter step one of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. As part of the Corridor ID program, SRPRA will be eligible for long-term, sustained federal support.