Public Comment Sought On High Speed Rail Project

The public is invited to comment on an environmental assessment to improve the Keystone Corridor East Amtrak rail line from Harrisburg to Philadelphia as part of the state’s upcoming federal high-speed rail application, said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E.

“Inviting the public to comment on this assessment allows their concerns to be heard and addressed as we strive to improve a valuable transportation service,” Biehler said. “The greater feedback we receive from residents and stakeholders, the stronger our application for federal recovery funding will be.”

The assessment accompanies an application for Track 2 of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act high-speed rail program, which proposes construction funding for improvements and speed upgrades to the Keystone Corridor between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. As part of the program, potential projects of significant scope must have environmental assessments available to residents and public officials.

Public comment will be accepted through Oct. 12. A copy of the plan is available online at www.planthekeystone.com/highspeedrail.html. Copies are also available at PennDOT’s District 6 office in King of Prussia and District 8 office in Harrisburg.

Comments should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Oct. 12, by e-mail to highspeedrail@planthekeystone.com, by fax to 717-234-7611, or by mail to: Keystone Corridor East High Speed Rail Program, 4431 North Front Street, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

The deadline for Track 2 applications is Oct. 2. The public comment deadline extends past the application deadline because applicants must show that the assessments are moving forward while providing ample time for public comment.

PennDOT also plans to use Track 2 to apply for funding for projects covering the proposed Scranton to Hoboken train service and the Pittsburgh High-Speed Magnetic Levitation project. Dollar amounts for these projects are not yet determined.

Tags: High Speed Rail