Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-8th District) announced today he had secured $500,000 in federal funding to help rehabilitate the freight railroad line into the Port of Orange.
Port officials earlier this year asked Congressman Brady to help find funding for the $2.4 million project which runs from the port to the Union Pacific Line in downtown Orange.
The existing railroad track-which transports goods coming into the Port of Orange for shipment across the country - floods and is dangerous, as demonstrated by Hurricane Rita.
"This is a jobs issue. Rehabilitating the track will allow the Port of Orange to provide increased service to new customers and to continue job growth in Orange County", said Brady. "This isn't all the money we requested, but this down payment shows that Congress recognizes the importance of a modern infrastructure for the port of Orange."
The funding is included in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for 2007 which passed the House 406-22 on Wednesday. The measure next goes to the Senate.
