Posted: | December 28, 2020 02:12 PM |
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From: | Representative Eddie Day Pashinski |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of providing passenger rail service between Wilkes Barre and Scranton in conjunction with the proposed restoration of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City |
I intend to introduce a resolution that will direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of providing passenger rail service between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in conjunction with the proposed restoration of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City. The Lackawanna Cut-Off is a railroad line built just over a century ago and abandoned by Conrail in the early 1980s. At its inception, it was notable for its engineering and it received its name from shortening the distance trains used to have to travel in the region, consequently improving the speed and comfort of travel. Recent efforts by federal and state authorities – especially New Jersey – have revived interest in the abandoned line. New Jersey Transit is nearing construction of a station in Andover Township and has been actively restoring an existing right-of-way to improve access to the region and New York City. This project will bring much-needed jobs, opportunities and economic activity to the region. Residents of Luzerne County deserve the same opportunities as residents of the municipalities surrounding the expanded passenger line as currently proposed. Additionally, it would help relieve congestion on the I-81 corridor, increasing safety and reducing wear and tear on public roads and bridges. With the renewed interest in investing in our public transportation infrastructure and continued discussions of an Amtrak line from Scranton to New York City, it’s critical that we move forward with this study, seeking the best information possible. This resolution was previously introduced as H.R. 189 and former co-sponsors included the following members: SCHLOSSBERG, NEILSON, MURT, FREEMAN, KAUFER, HILL-EVANS, MILLARD, DeLUCA, SCHWEYER, MARKOSEK, MULLINS, TOOHIL, BOBACK, KORTZ, DRISCOLL, ROZZI AND BOYLE. |