Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline have taken the next step toward restoring passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia in a joint effort with Berks and Montgomery counties. The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution announcing a public hearing to consider a proposal to create the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA).
The SRPRA would replace the current Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee and would be supported with representation and funding from all three counties. The commissioners will hold the public hearing on the SRPRA proposal during their board of commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 27.
Information about the proposal can be found at http://www.chesco.org/passengerrail and comments can be submitted to ccplanning@chesco.org. The board of commissioners for Montgomery and Berks counties will also hold public hearings to consider the proposal during their respective meetings in April.
The Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee, a nine-member group consisting of one county commissioner from each county and other local leaders, is recommending the formation of the SRPRA after a year of exploring the most efficient manner to restore passenger rail service to the region. The SRPRA will have the power to formalize agreements, procure funding and provide for a direct governmental body that can work with AMTRAK, PennDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other necessary partners.
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