Dear John,

Hopefully you’ve heard the good news by now — the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected Reading to receive a $500,000 grant as part of their Corridor Identification and Development Program. That means passenger rail is on track to return to this part of our community! For those who have lived in the area for a long time, we remember that Reading has been without passenger rail since 1983. 

This rail line would also make intermediate stops in Pottstown, Phoenixville, and potentially Norristown en route to Philadelphia with four to eight daily roundtrips and connect our community with New York, NY.

Reducing Commute Times and Increasing Economic Activity for Our Community 

Reading – Pottstown – Phoenixville – Norristown – Philadelphia  

Learn more about the rail line in this Berks Weekly article. 

It’s gratifying to see the work we’ve put in to make this rail corridor a reality pay off. Earlier this year, I wrote a letter to the DOT — alongside my PA colleagues Rep. Madeleine Dean and Rep. Dan Meuser — to include the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority’s proposal for Reading in the Corridor ID Program. I also proudly supported and voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which established the necessary funding for this program. Additionally, in 2021, I secured a $750,000 grant via  Community Project Funding to examine the expected impact of restored rail service to the area and environment. This grant laid the foundation for last week’s announcement.

Of course, there are so many people to thank for helping make this historic announcement possible. In particular, I want to acknowledge the work of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, Berks and Chester County Commissioners, Chester and Berks Planning Authorities, Greater Valley Forge Transportation management association, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Centro Hispano, Transportation Management Association of Chester County, City of Reading, and Chester County Economic Development Council, just to name a few.  

A project of this size requires the coordination of federal, state, and local governments, advocacy organizations, and you, engaged members of our community.

Our unified efforts emphasized the importance of the revitalization of our Commonwealth’s infrastructure – and that’s how representative government should work! 

Nationwide Investment in Public Transportation Thanks to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 

 Proposed route from Amtrak’s Vision for Improving Transportation Across America report. 

From making travel easier for you and your family to increasing economic activity for our wonderful small businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania, this is a big deal. But it’s not just great news for our Commonwealth. This announcement is part of a nationwide investment in rail, and delivers on President Biden’s commitment to improve our country’s aging infrastructure. You can see the White House’s full plan here.  

This nationwide investment will bring back passenger rail to many parts of our country that have long been without it. Not only will this make certain areas more accessible, but it will help Americans have more job opportunities they may not have had access to without passenger rail, which will bolster our economy and help make people’s everyday lives easier. 

As I learn more about next steps, I’ll make sure to keep you updated! 

One Week Away: Housing Resources Telephone Town Hall 

As I announced in my previous newsletter, I am hosting my final town hall of the year on Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m. This telephone town hall will focus on housing resources in our community. If you haven’t already, make sure to RSVP here.  

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Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you.  

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance. 

Be well and see you soon! 

Chrissy Houlahan 

U.S. Member of Congress