Fitzpatrick Secures Funds to Help Restore Passenger Rail in Upper Bucks

Fitzpatrick Secures Funds to Help Restore Passenger Rail in Upper Bucks
Will Announce $300,000 to fund Quakertown Rail Project

Washington, Mar 6 -

Today, Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick, was joined by State Senator Rob Wonderling, and other officials from Bucks County to announce $300,000 in funding to continue the effort to restore commuter rail service in Upper Bucks. Fitzpatrick secured these funds in the "Transportation, Treasury and HUD Appropriations Act of 2005." The funding will be distributed through the Federal Highway Administration.

"When I was elected to Congress, I immediately became active in expanding the role rail service plays in America's transportation system," Fitzpatrick said. "Not only can rail provide an efficient means to get people from place to place, it also removes cars from the road, positively impacting the environment as well as oil independence."

The Quakertown branch of SEPTA rail service was discontinued in the early 1980's, but the Upper Bucks County area has experienced rapid growth. Studies indicate that restoration of rail service to the Upper Bucks County area is the only viable traffic congestion management option to counter growing pressure on our roadways. The Quakertown-Stony Creek Rail Restoration study concluded its viability. Among other things, this necessary project will continue where the study left off, inspecting the rail infrastructure and developing an overall cost analysis for the rail line.

"Upper Bucks County is experiencing an explosion of growth that is poised to overwhelm our roadways," Fitzpatrick added. "The extension of commuter rail service to Upper Bucks will give residents a better option than driving when trying to reach work, schools and businesses each day. The $300,000 I secured for this project will allow us to take a strong step forward to make rail transit a reality for Upper Bucks."

http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=40303