Counties approve railroad authority

WEST CHESTER » The Chester County Commissioners on Wednesday approved the creation of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, completing the approval last week of the authority by the commissioners from Berks and Montgomery counties.

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority will oversee and implement the restoration of passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia and will be supported with equal representation and funding from all three counties, starting with a $100,000 investment. The authority will have the power to formalize agreements, pursue funding opportunities and partner with rail operators and state and federal transportation agencies.

Proponents of restoring passenger rail service from Philadelphia to Reading — with stops in Montgomery and Chester counties — say creating the authority is a key piece to making the idea a reality.

They say the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority would provide legitimacy in competitive efforts for infrastructure