Southeastern PA Chambers and SRPRA Advocate in Washington

On September 3, representatives from the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) and chambers of commerce across Southeastern Pennsylvania traveled to Washington, D.C., to continue advancing the vision for restored Reading–Philadelphia passenger rail service.

SRPRA Executive Director Tom Frawley and Board Member Dave Hunter, who also serves as Executive Director of the Berks County Planning Commission, met with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Nominee Dave Fink to emphasize the project’s importance for the region. While no date was set, Mr. Fink expressed strong support, and SRPRA is optimistic about moving into Step 2 of the FRA Corridor Program in the coming weeks.

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) demonstrated its strong support for the initiative, with President & CEO Lucine Sihelnik and Director of Advocacy Alex Roché joining Hunter and Frawley in discussions. The delegation also met with Acting FRA Chairman Drew Feeley and engaged FRA staff directly involved in the Reading–Philadelphia project.

This outreach was part of a broader effort uniting chambers and stakeholders across the region. Representatives from Lancaster County, Berks County, and other Southeastern Pennsylvania chambers highlighted not only the passenger rail project but also the broader transportation and infrastructure priorities that impact their communities. Meetings with members of the Congressional Delegation—including Senator John Fetterman—helped ensure that the coalition’s economic and transportation priorities remain top-of-mind at the federal level.

By working together, SRPRA and the Southeastern Pennsylvania chambers are strengthening the case for restoring passenger rail, underscoring the project’s economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits for the entire region.