Harrisburg - Gov. Ed Rendell yesterday announced that the state would commit $10.2 million in taxpayer money he says will bolster the state's rail freight infrastructure.

He further said that that the 38 grants to companies working on rail projects across the state will help the region's economy.

Three of the projects Mr. Rendell identified are located in Bucks County. One is a track rehabilitation project in the Morrisville area to be undertaken by Junell Corp. which will receive a $397,650 grant. Kinder Morgan will also get $700,000 for track repairs along the Delaware River and SMS-Penn Jersey Rail Lines Inc. will gain $223,569 for work in Penn Warner Industrial Park.

Taxpayer funds will also flow to two companies working on Chester County projects. Hyponex will get $250,000 to build rail siding while ISG Plate Inc. will receive $197,250 for track construction.

"Rail freight provides a dependable and efficient method for moving goods around Pennsylvania and provides an important link to the global marketplace," the governor said. "This investment will help stimulate economic development, while also preserving and improving the commonwealth's rail system."

Critics of the Rendell administration have lamented the process by which companies are chosen to receive state grants for transportation infrastructure and other projects as too politicized. Harrisburg's center-right Commonwealth Foundation has taken particular issue with the logic the administration has put forth that direct infusion of tax dollars to businesses stimulates the economy more effectively than tax reduction.

Bradley Vasoli can be reached at bvasoli@thebulletin.us