MOUNT UNION - The East Broad Top Railroad will be the recipient of a state grant to go toward a track rehabilitation project, according to a press release issued by state Rep. Mike Fleck, R-Huntingdon.

The State Transportation Commission voted Thursday to approve the rehabilitation of 7,360 feet of linear track in conjunction with the Mount Union Connecting Railroad. The project will restore service to an out-of-service rail spur.

The state is slated to give $700,000 in state funding to the project through the state's Rail Freight Assistance Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports the total cost of the project will be $1 million.

"This is a major investment on the part of the Commonwealth. We've fought long and hard for funding to not only preserve the East Broad Top Railroad, but make it a vital economic engine once again," Fleck said. "With the rehabilitation of the rail spur, businesses along the corridor and in Riverview Industrial Park will be able to utilize the connection in meeting their shipping needs."

Fleck also said the project would help to make the industrial park more attractive to potential businesses and will hopefully spark renewed interest amongst prospective investors in the business park.

"From a tourism prospective, it brings us nearly a mile and half closer to reopening the EBT from Rockhill to Mount Union. Tourism is our second largest industry in the county, and I firmly believe it will play a pivotal role in job growth in our region," Fleck said.

The East Broad Top Railroad is the last functioning narrow gauge railroad east of the Mississippi River and has been classified as a national historic treasure.