Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) is pleased to accept a $2,000,000 grant award through PennDOT’s Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) for the rehabilitation of multiple railroad bridges on the Juniata Valley Railroad and the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad. The total project budget is anticipated to be $2,971,000 with the RTAP funding covering approximately 70% of the project costs.
This grant award includes the rehabilitation of 4 bridges on the Juniata Valley Railroad in Mifflin County and 3 bridges and one culvert on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad in Centre County.
“PennDOT’s ongoing financial support allows the JRA to continue the modernization of its rail lines. These bridge improvements will allow us to provide uninterrupted service to our customers for many years,” said Russ Graham, JRA Board Chairman and Centre County Representative. “We are very grateful for the grant and the investment in Centre and Mifflin counties.”
Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal added, “The JRA and the Juniata Valley Railroad provide excellent service to our largest manufacturers and the industrial park and plaza. This significant investment demonstrates the continuing commitment to serve the Mifflin County economy. The Commissioners thank all who have been involved with this large and critical infrastructure project.”
“This grant award is critical to the JRA’s mission to preserve rail freight service by ensuring our infrastructure is maintained, operational, and resilient for the businesses we support,” said Steven Beattie, Executive Director of the JRA. “Much of our rail infrastructure is over 100 years old, and rehabilitation of our large bridge structures is a costly endeavor. PennDOT’s partnership and investment in our railroads will allow us to efficiently service our customers, uninterrupted, for years to come while keeping additional trucks off our highways and local roadways.”
Construction of the bridge projects will occur over the next two years following design, permitting, and the public bid process. The JRA, with our partners, has invested over $10 million across the entire rail system into railroad infrastructure improvements since 2019.
About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad main line track across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, support over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit www.sedacograil.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]