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The Everett Railroad Co. will receive about $2.6 million for track rehabilitation and rail equipment under the federal Consolidated Railroad Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program.
The funding, announced Wednesday by Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's office, is part of $42 million earmarked for Pennsylvania's rail infrastructure.
The Hollidaysburg-based Everett Railroad Co. plans to install more than 13,000 railroad ties and surface the track between Hollidaysburg and Sproul. The project's total estimated cost is about $3.5 million, with the railroad furnishing matching funds and in-kind contributions totaling $887,916.
"We are deeply grateful to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the FRA Administrator David Fink for this grant award," said Alan Maples, president of the Everett Co. "These funds will allow us to improve service to our rail customers and handle heavier rail cars." Maples said the program is highly competitive and acknowledged U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Blair, state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, and state Rep. Scott Barger, R-Blair/Huntingdon, for their support of the railroad's application.
"These funds will be put to work here in Blair County," Maples said.
The Everett Railroad connects to the national rail network through the Norfolk Southern Corp. at Hollidaysburg and provides rail freight service to industrial and agricultural customers in Blair County and beyond.
In addition, the Everett Railroad operates seasonal excursion trains using vintage locomotives and passenger cars, such as the Autumn Adventure fall foliage and Santa Express rides.
According to the website, the Everett Railroad was established in 1954 to provide dependable rail service to the communities and industries along its route.
In the early 1980s, the railroad faced uncertain times until Maples purchased the struggling railroad at 21 years old, becoming one of the youngest railroad presidents in the country in 1983.
Rather than following a traditional career path, Maples invested his college education fund his parents had saved to purchase the railroad, pursuing his lifelong passion, the website states.
Under Maples' leadership, the Everett Railroad grew from a small seven-mile operation into a thriving 23-mile class III common carrier railroad, providing freight transportation services while also introducing passenger excursion operations, according to the website.
Other awards in the Consolidated Railroad Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program include $15.8 million for Lehigh Valley Rail Management LLC; $13.6 million for the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad; and $10.1 million for the Eastern Berks Gateway Railroad Co.
"Railroads have powered Pennsylvania for generations, and today, the commonwealth has one of the largest rail networks in the nation," Fetterman said. "Investing in this infrastructure is crucial for our communities and our economy."
Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.