Article Summary –
The U.S Department of Transportation has announced a $317 million grant for Pennsylvania to buy up to 200 new rail cars for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The funds are part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. The grant followed a request from the state’s Democratic congressional delegation, who warned that transit in the Philadelphia region could suffer a “death spiral” without adequate funding.
U.S. Department of Transportation Awards Pennsylvania a Grant for New Rail Cars
The U.S. Department of Transportation will grant Pennsylvania funds to acquire new rail cars for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). This grant will help replace the aging rolling stock currently in use.
As per SEPTA’s data, the transportation system serves over 644,000 users, including bus, trolley, and train commuters. It is expected to receive about $317 million to buy up to 200 rail cars for the Market-Frankford Line, the busiest route in the system.
The grant is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, benefitting transportation systems in Baltimore, Maryland, and Chicago, Illinois, as well.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the procurement of 300 new railcars to enhance the safety and reliability of America’s rail services.
The grant follows a request letter sent by Democratic members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to Buttigieg, seeking additional funds for SEPTA. The letter highlighted the significance of SEPTA to southeastern Pennsylvania and the potential negative impact of budget cuts on the region’s transit.
In a joint statement, congressional members praised the grant announcement, emphasizing its value to the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on the Market-Frankford Line daily.
Despite bipartisan support for the infrastructure law, all but one of the Republican members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation voted against it. They raised concerns about the allocation of funds in the bill, claiming only 10% targeted infrastructure.
According to a February 2023 White House fact sheet, Pennsylvania has received over $8.1 billion for more than 168 projects from the infrastructure law. These projects aim to improve roads, bridges, public transportation, airports, broadband access, and clean water delivery.
Before the law’s passage, Pennsylvania’s infrastructure had been rated a “C-” in a 2022 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, indicating a significant maintenance backlog.
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