THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY MUSTO, JULY 6, 2009

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION, JULY 6, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to

conduct a study of the feasibility of providing passenger

rail service between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in conjunction

with the proposed restoration of passenger rail service

between Scranton and New York City.

WHEREAS, In a letter to the President of the United States

dated April 21, 2009, United States Senators Robert P. Casey,

Jr., and Arlen Specter, together with Senators Charles E.

Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, announced their support to

restore passenger rail service from Binghamton, New York,

through Scranton, to New York City; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak has agreed to conduct a feasibility study of

the Scranton to New York City link, known as the Lackawanna

Cutoff project; and

WHEREAS, In June 2009, the United States Environmental

Protection Agency declared a finding of no significant impact

for a new passenger rail line between Morris County, New Jersey,

and Scranton, a vital section of the Lackawanna Cutoff; and

WHEREAS, This two-decade-long effort to restore rail service

from the Poconos region to New York City therefore appears to be

nearing the engineering and construction funding phase; and

WHEREAS, Several extensions of this service have already been

proposed and are being seriously considered, including north to

Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, A previously commissioned, federally funded study

conducted by the Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County

determined that the physical track alignment is already in place

to do so, thus requiring no additional right-of-way; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of Luzerne County deserve the same

consideration and opportunity for employment, as well as other

economic opportunities that would be afforded to the

municipalities that the passenger line would serve, as it is now

proposed; and

WHEREAS, Establishing passenger service between Wilkes-Barre

and Scranton could also benefit economic development efforts in

the greater Hazleton area should service eventually be extended

to that region; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania would be remiss in not determining if

the continuation of this rail service on to Wilkes-Barre is

feasible at this pivotal juncture, especially considering the

relatively short distance and minimal expense incurred in doing

so; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee to conduct a study to determine if the

benefits outweigh the costs of providing passenger rail service

from Wilkes-Barre to Scranton in conjunction with the Lackawanna

Cutoff project; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

study include a review of the:

(1)  Alignment and trackage necessary to provide

passenger rail service between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.

(2)  Preferred ownership and management structure and

operational requirements to provide such service.

(3)  Anticipated ridership for Wilkes-Barre to Scranton

passenger rail service;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee issue its report to the

Secretary of the Senate within one year from the date of

adoption of this resolution.