Rail Freight Assistance Grant Awarded to Manufacturer

(Bloomsburg) - - A state Department of Transportation Grant will allow a Bloomsburg manufacturer to create and maintain jobs by upgrading rail service to its facility, according to State Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27). Magee Reiter Automotive Systems will receive $185,440 under the Rail Freight Assistance Program.

Magee Reiter will create 15 new jobs and maintain 680 positions. Additionally, by upgrading its rail loading and unloading facility, over 2,700 annual deliveries to its Bloomsburg plant by tractor trailer will no longer be necessary. The plant is the main distribution site for three satellite facilities for the automotive carpet manufacturer.

"I was pleased to assist the company to obtain this grant for an important project to rehabilitate rail track and construct a new loading facility," said Senator Gordner. "In addition to the economic development component, projects that relieve heavy truck traffic on roads are given a priority in this competitive grant program."

Senator Gordner said State Rep. David Millard (R-109) and the Columbia County Commissioners also worked with him and the company to prepare the grant application and provided valuable support in advocating for the project.

"Since requests for assistance always exceed available funding and the Department can only fund about half of the proposals, it's important to prepare an application to support the program's goals of maintaining essential rail service, expanding job opportunities and relieving congested highways," said the Senator.

The Rail Freight Assistance Program provides financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure through track maintenance and construction projects.

CONTACT: Todd B. Roup (717)787-8928