SUNBURY, PENNSYLVANIA, US — Boyd Station LLC, a Pennsylvania, US soybean processor, plans to utilize a $2.6 million grant to expand its rail infrastructure.

It is part of a larger $31.3 million grant administered by the state of Pennsylvania for 26 rail projects statewide.

Boyd Station will use the grant to build four new tracks and install unloading equipment for the plant.

Bryan Cotner, president of Boyd Station, told The Daily Item the expansion will allow the company to handle increased carloads and unit trains. It will also replace 25,000 trucks with rail freight over the next five years.

Boyd Station has been in business since 1912 and has expanded over the last 100 years. Today, the company has evolved into a corn and soybean farm, grain merchandiser, soybean processing facility and egg layer operation.

The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $31.3 million for the projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). It will add 200 jobs across Pennsylvania.

“Investing in our states rail system creates jobs and supports efficient freight travel,” said Tom Wolf, governor of Pennsylvania. “These investments help us build a world-class infrastructure system and support the business community.”

Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads with 5,600 freight lines.