Aug. 5—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that the application period for the grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is now open and will accept applications until Aug. 29.
The investments made possible by this program help businesses grow and upgrade their rail freight network.
“Pennsylvania’s rail freight network keeps goods moving and supports the economy, making it a critical piece of our transportation infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments are another example of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to bolstering the business community and enhancing rail-line safety.”
Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. Carroll said PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines.
During the 2024 grant period, PennDOT awarded $55 million for 30 rail freight projects — creating or sustaining 344 jobs across Pennsylvania.
PennDOT manages two grant programs:
— RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds.
— RFAP, which is funded through the Multi-modal Fund created by Act 89 of 2013.
Both programs provide financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure, with the intent of preserving essential rail freight service and stimulating economic growth through new or expanded rail freight service.
For eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website beginning 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, and ending at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29.
All Aboard Act dedicates $200B over 5 years
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pittsburgh, member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation this week reintroduced the All Aboard Act.
This proposal would dedicate $200 billion over five years to build high-speed rail, expand existing passenger rail service, and electrify the most heavily polluting rail yards and corridors.
The legislation includes critical labor protections for the existing union labor workforce and creates a rail personnel training grant program for rail workers.
“In 2025, the people of this great country should have a rail system that is safe, fast, affordable, and keeps the economy moving,” said Rep. Deluzio. “This bill will make American passenger and freight rail a lot safer and cleaner, slash road traffic, and invest in the rail workers who make it all happen.”
“The All Aboard Act would build the high-speed transportation system of the future and do it with union labor,” said Sen. Markey. “By investing billions in America’s rail network, we can drive down emissions, make our communities more connected, and create union jobs. That is a future all Americans are on board with.”
Specifically, the All Aboard Act would:
Invest $150 billion over five years across several successful rail grant programs established or expanded in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Specifically, the bill provides $80 billion to the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, $30 billion to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement program, $30 billion for Amtrak, and $10 billion for the Railroad Crossing Elimination program.
Create a new Green Railway Fund that would dedicate $50 billion over five years to electrify highly polluting rail yards, support electric high-performance passenger rail projects, and electrify the existing highest trafficked corridors by freight and passenger trains. With these funds, the U.S. rail network will take a lesson from many countries that have already fully electrified their train system, reducing air pollution in many front line communities and driving down emissions from transportation.
Create a first-of-its-kind, $3.5 billion rail formula program for states to perform rail planning, maintenance, operations, and capital investment. Although states can rely on regular formula funding to expand highways, federal investments in rail come only through competitive grants.
Provide $500 million in grants under the Clean Air Act to address air pollution from rail yards in front line communities. Like other modes of transportation, air pollution from diesel-powered locomotives caused disproportionate harm in environmental justice communities. This investment is a downpayment on addressing that harm.
Recognize that the rail workforce is the backbone of a safe, efficient rail network and would invest $300 million over five years to establish freight and passenger rail training centers. These centers would be run in partnership with organized labor and provide the training and development necessary to deliver the rail network of the future.
Public hearing on data center development to be held
At the invitation of Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe County, Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, will chair a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Archbald about data center development.
The hearing will take place at 1 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Valley View High School Auditorium, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald.
“This hearing provides a critical opportunity for local government, state officials, and the public to come together and explore the facts surrounding data center development,” Brown said. “As this issue continues to spark strong opinions and concerns, it’s more important than ever that we engage in informed, constructive dialogue based on reliable information. At my request, the Senate Policy Committee is convening this hearing in my district so we can better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with this rapidly evolving industry and ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of our residents.”
“Locating data centers in northeast Pennsylvania could improve our economy, however we must ensure that our local communities are protected from any harmful side effects,” Argall said. “I look forward to learning more about this important issue.”
Panelists will include local officials, business and labor interests, the energy sector, conservationists, and economic developers.
The public roundtable will be live-streamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.
Laughlin to introduce bill raising Pa.’s minimum wage
Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, this week announced plans to introduce legislation that would gradually raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2028 — updating the state’s minimum wage statute to reflect economic realities and better support working Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009, matching the federal minimum and ranking among the lowest in the nation.
“This legislation is about catching up,” Laughlin said. “Most employers in Pennsylvania are already paying above minimum wage because they have to in order to attract workers. It’s time the law reflects that reality.”
Under Laughlin’s proposal, the minimum wage would increase in three phases:
—$9.00 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2026
—$10.00 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2027
—$11.00 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2028
Laughlin noted that nearly 30 states already have a higher minimum wage than the federal baseline. Nearby states such as New York, New Jersey and Maryland have implemented increases in recent years, putting Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage.
“Raising the minimum wage is not just about fairness, it’s also an economic necessity,” Laughlin said. “It helps reduce dependence on public assistance, boosts consumer spending and strengthens local economies.”
The legislation will be formally introduced in the coming weeks.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
