"I appreciate Senator Specter’s work as a member of the subcommittee to make sure that Wilkes-Barre is included in this project. Upgrading the rail system to restore passenger service will also allow for improved freight service to our area on the same line. Luzerne County needs to be part of this rail network because transportation is crucial for economic development," Congressman Kanjorski said.

"Improved freight rail access will make our area more attractive to business. In Monroe County, the re-establishment of the rail line led to the location of a grain mill, which in turn is expected to attract a pasta mill and bakery. It is especially important that Wilkes-Barre be included in the effort to link Northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City so that Luzerne County is competitive for economic development," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Senator Specter said, "I'm delighted my colleagues saw fit to provide funding for this important study. Extending rail service to Wilkes-Barre will offer many thousands of Pennsylvanians easy access to major regional hubs."

The bill is now pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Congressman Kanjorski voted May 19 for the House of Representatives’ version of the annual transportation funding bill, which passed 395-13. The House bill includes $1 million for preliminary engineering work for the overall Northeastern Pennsylvania-to-New York passenger and freight rail project.

The last passenger train between Wilkes-Barre and New York City was operated by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. It ceased operation in 1963.

Congressman Kanjorski has long been a lead supporter of re-establishing passenger and freight rail service between New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania. He convened a meeting of Northeastern Pennsylvania government and economic development leaders in Washington last fall, and he continues to work with them and Senator Specter to move the project forward and ensure the inclusion of service to Wilkes-Barre.

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