Jack Reinhard / WFMZ 69 News
Federal dollars are on their way to help the push for a passenger rail that runs from Reading to Philadelphia.
"I want everyone to know this is what investing in America looks like," said Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4).
Dean is talking about a $500,000 grant.
It will fund a study on a passenger rail line that would run from Reading to Philadelphia.
The line would make stops in Pottstown and Norristown, in addition to Phoenixville.
"People in Reading will be able to easily commute for work in other areas. That was not always the case," Dean said.
She said it would be an engine for economic development.
"For job opportunities, for different transportation, also for tourism," she explained.
The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority was formed last year and has been working towards developing a rail line.
"I think you can't underestimate the size of the impact it would have," said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6).
This project aims to restore and update existing tracks that were last used for passenger rail in 1983.
Lawmakers said once completed, there would be four to eight round trips daily.
"There's a reason why the Reading Railroad is on the Monopoly board. It was one of the things that made Reading such an incredibly successful city," Houlahan said.
As far as the next steps, Houlahan said there will be some informational phone calls going on.
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