Federal Grants Help Preserve Wayne's Railroad Heritage By PETER BECKER WAYNE COUNTY - Two historic train depot restoration projects in Wayne County are receiving boosts from $35.9 million in federal funds for 127 transportation enhancement projects announced April 29 by Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. € The Waymart Area Historical Society is receiving $62,675 for the D&H (Delaware and Hudson) Car 43 Train Car Shed. The purpose of the shed is to house and protect the Society's rehabilitated/replicated D&H Gravity Open Air Passenger Car. This will act as an auxiliary building to the rehabilitated Delaware and Hudson Gravity Depot on South Street. The purpose of the project building is to enhance the mission of the Depot Museum. For several years, the Waymart Area Historical Society has been working to protect and restore the depot, which is property of Waymart Borough and is the last surviving D&H railroad depot in Wayne County. € Gouldsboro Area Foundation will receive $114,574 for their Train Station Restoration Project. The train station served the Delaware Lackawanna & Western Railroad, where it passed through Lehigh Township. The funding is for restoring electrical and water service, a sewage disposal system and an underground fuel storage tank.; installation of a system of sidewalks, railings, and precast steps; insulation, new doors, frames and hardware; complete interior wall partitions, preparation of the interior subgrade for a new floor and restoration of damaged wood surfaces; construction and furnishing of a restroom, kitchenette and mechanical equipment room; installation of a new heating system and new ceilings; painting or staining all wood or drywall areas; site grading and installation of new curbs, paved and graveled surfaced parking area to codes; signage and appropriate pavement markings. According to a statement from PennDOT, "The Transportation Enhancements Program enables communities and groups to improve their quality of life through pedestrian and bicycle, scenic beautification, and historic preservation projects," Secretary Biehler said. "It's just one example of how we can target transportation investments to projects that will help reclaim our communities and enhance the quality of life of our citizens." The Transportation Enhancements Program was created by Congress in legislation authorizing surface transportation initiatives. Ten percent of a state's surface transportation program funding authorization is dedicated to this program. It is not a grant program; rather, it creates a unique cooperative arrangement among the Federal Highway Administration, PennDOT and the project sponsors. Any state agency, county or municipal government, or non-profit organization may apply for transportation enhancement funds. In addition to the Transportation Enhancements Program, PennDOT is committed to two other programs that will step up the pace of existing federal-local programs designed to restore amenities to Pennsylvania's core communities. The four-year, $200 million Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to Schools programs encourage the reinvestment in and redevelopment of our downtowns and establish, where feasible, safe walking routes for our children to commute to school. "We believe improvements such as vintage street lights, sidewalk improvements, benches and other features can enhance quality of life and revitalize commerce in Pennsylvania's communities," Secretary Biehler said. "It's just one part of the governor's bold Growing Greener agenda, which will mean more jobs, a better environment and well planned and functioning transportation for Pennsylvania." http://www.wayneindependent.com/articles/2004/05/04/news1/news2.txt
