Congressman Gerlach is committed to ensuring that the 6th Congressional District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States have the resources to maintain existing infrastructure and pursue future projects that will help to alleviate congestion, lessen our impact on the environment and allow people and goods to move more freely.
Restoring Commuter Rail Service from Philadelphia to Reading
Congressman Gerlach has been working with local elected officials, businesses and others to restore commuter rail service along the Route 422 corridor from Norristown in Montgomery County to Wyomissing and Reading in Berks County. This project would allow people to move more freely between Philadelphia and Reading while also helping to alleviate congestion along Route 422. This is an extremely important project in our region, especially to the communities along the corridor that will be positively impacted.
Rehabilitation of Aging Rail Stations
Congressman Gerlach has secured $17.2 million since 2003 to modernize aging rail stations throughout the district and transform them into full service transportation centers that provide convenient access to all forms of public transportation. These projects are aimed to provide convenient, safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to commuters while at the same time helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and easing congestion in the region. The following projects in the 6th Congressional district have received federal grants through Congressman Gerlach’s support:
- Ardmore Transportation Center - $6 million
- Paoli Transportation Center - $5.2 million
- Norristown Transportation Center - $4 million
- Franklin Street Station in Reading - $1.8 million
- Coatesville Train Station - $1 million
Improving Our Roads and Bridges
Every five years Congress considers Highway Authorization legislation which determines federal highway funding for states. Congressman Gerlach worked with community leaders and his colleagues in Congress to secure $8.233 billion for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2005 through 2009 (roughly $1.65 billion per year). In addition to improving federal highways and bridges throughout the Commonwealth, this funding also provides money for greenways, pedestrian trails and bike paths in our communities.
Recognition of Leadership on Transportation Issues
- 2002 – Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association “Public Sector Award” for fostering regional cooperation and other local issues.
- 2006 – Transportation Management Association of Chester County “Transportation Executive of the Year Award” for leadership in regional transportation infrastructure and service issues.
