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PA Grants $1 Million to Solar Rail Yard Project
As part of a plan for a new transportation facility, the state of PA granted $1 million last week towards the construction of a solar-powered field over the top of the Paoli Rail Yard, which is part of the EPA Superfund site (hazardous waste site).
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the solar panels are a part of a $50 million plan to construct a entire Paoli Train Station and parking facility just a few blocks west of the existing location. The energy from the panels will provide the yard with electricity for Septa’s Paoli-Thorndale line and Amtrack.
“The redevelopment of this station won’t only help Paoli; it will link a whole region,” said State Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Phila.). “It also means a lot for jobs in this area.”
The current location holds concrete containers filled with contaminated soil from chemicals used to cool off railcar transformers years ago. It is estimated to cost $20 million to restore the site before building.
Although the project has yet to report a start date, officials hope to have the station complete by early 2012.
