Map shows proposed commuter route, and stations

WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Reps Paul Kanjorski and Chris Carney, and Senators Robert Casey pledged their support for a proposed rail connection that would link Scranton and the Poconos to the New York metro area.

Their comments came following a meeting that included federal transportation officials, a representative from Gov. Ed Rendell’s office, and either the lawmakers or their representatives.  The primary purpose of the meeting was to press for federal movement on environmental studies needed to revive an old line that is still mostly in place.  A 28-mile stretch in New Jersey, known as the “Lackawanna Cutoff”, would need to be rebuilt. 

 “Today’s meeting about the Scranton-NYC railway made some progress and I feel more confident that this necessary project will soon be underway”, said Rep. Kanjorski.  “From the meeting we discerned that a rollout of the project can begin once the Federal Transit Administration’s environmental impact study is completed.  This is expected to take place in August.”

The congressman said a rail line connecting Northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City would provide many benefits to help respond to many of the transportation problems that people currently face.