Bresnahan offers 'strong support' for Scranton to New York City passenger train
In a letter Thursday sure to hearten its backers, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan offers “strong support” for a proposed passenger train between Scranton and New York City.
With supporters worried about the train’s future because of President Donald Trump’s desire to slash federal spending, Bresnahan said the train would boost Northeast Pennsylvania's economy.
“This project, which will connect Scranton and New York City by rail for the first time in 55 years, will help Northeastern Pennsylvania continue its momentum as a growing economic, logistics, and tourism powerhouse,” Bresnahan said in the letter addressed to Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Michael Lestingi.
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“This proposed project will carry an estimated 470,000 passengers per year and contribute $84 million in local economic development and opportunity,” Bresnahan wrote, quoting an Amtrak study’s estimate.
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Bresnahan said the train would especially aid Monroe County’s “growing outdoor recreation economy” and allow “visitors from New York to come and experience all the wonders of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
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He asked the agency to “continue to give the project due and fair consideration” as the service development plan is completed.
“This project represents a significant investment not only in Northeastern Pennsylvania but also in Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and the broader national passenger rail system,” Bresnahan wrote. “I appreciate your commitment to reviewing this project's application with fairness and transparency, and I look forward to your positive consideration.”
Before Thursday, Bresnahan had expressed initial support in an interview the day after his election. He said he would support the train if the project could produce economic benefits and maintain safe communities "without burdening our taxpayers."
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