Robbins Announces $553,787 Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company Grant

Harrisburg – Ongoing improvements to the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad have received a major boost with the approval of a $553,787 state grant, state Sen. Bob Robbins (R-50) announced today.

Robbins said the grant will help pay for main line improvements in Crawford, Mercer and Erie counties. The company is entering the final year of a four-year program to replace fouled ballast under its main line.

"I was part of a bipartisan group of senators who reviewed plans presented by Bessemer and Lake Erie to improve its line, and it's a very large project," said Robbins. "Approximately 8,000 high-quality, industrial sector jobs in western Pennsylvania depend on the services of the railroad. This state grant is very important for the region."

The grant marks the third year the project has receive funds from the state capital budget. It is being matched with company funds, said Robbins.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322