For Immediate Release
March 28, 2018
WASHINGTONVILLE –
DRIVE, the economic development entity serving the Columbia and Montour Counties, is pleased to announce that USG Corporation (USG), a Montour County employer, has received grant funding to improve its operations in the region. USG’s plant located in Washingtonville was awarded $250,000 from PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP), which will be used to add 2,000 feet of track to its facility to accommodate longer trains and increase efficiency to unload railcars. This rail freight award marked one of several improvement projects Governor Tom Wolf announced last week as part of a broader effort to help strengthen the local economy and fuel business growth in the region.
In a press release, Gov. Wolf said, “These investments underscore our continued commitment in building a world-class infrastructure system that supports the creation of new jobs and our business community.”
USG’s Washingtonville plant manufactures drywall and other building products, which are shipped to building projects in Boston, Mass., Washington, D.C. and other large cities on the east coast. The plant first opened in 2008 and currently has around 125 employees.
“As a leading manufacturer of building products and innovative systems, we are always focused on continuous improvements that ensure we are delivering the highest quality solutions and services to meet the needs of our customers,” said Tim Miller, manager of USG’s Washingtonville plant. “This funding from the PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program will further strengthen our operations in Montour County and our service to communities across the east coast.”
DRIVE worked with managers at USG to complete its application. Jennifer Wakeman, DRIVE’s executive director said, “Access to rail infrastructure is a significant advantage for our companies. We are happy to support USG’s efforts to expand its operation. This capital investment along with grant funding from RFAP is a sign to other corporations that Central Pennsylvania is a great place to establish and grow a business.”
The 27 rail freight improvement projects receiving funding from the Rail Freight Assistance Program will help sustain more than 400 jobs across Pennsylvania.
Media Contact: Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director jwakeman@driveindustry.com, 570-284-4296
