Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced the release of more than $6 million in capital budget funds for five rail-freight improvement projects. "Railroads are playing an increasing role in keeping the freight moving from our communities and employers to the major railroads that carry freight around the nation," Rendell said. "These funds will help ensure the smooth operation of the shortline and regional railroads that promote economic development, job creation and highway safety." The capital budget funding released by Gov. Rendell includes:

* Allegheny Valley Railroad Co. of Scottdale, Allegheny County, will receive $1 million for continued track rehabilitation between Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and New Kensington, Westmoreland County.
* Delaware & Hudson Railway Co. of Clifton Park, NY, will receive $955,256 for the expansion and rehabilitation of the railroad's product handling facilities at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
* RFI Energy Inc. of Indiana will receive $2 million to obtain rail access by the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad to RFI Energy's coal facility. The work will be done in Madison, Toby and Piney townships and the Borough of Sligo, Clarion County.
* Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Co. of Warren will receive $2 million to increase reliability and safety along the former Erie Lackawanna line in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties.
* Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Co. of Brewster, OH, will receive $500,000 for the continued rehabilitation of the mainline track from Bridgeville to the Clairton branch in Allegheny County.