The Congressional effort to keep Amtrak revenue in the region it is generated, infuse funding into rail improvements and generate economic development opportunities around train stations made a stop last week in Downingtown, one of three Chester County stops where new or upgraded stations are already coming down the line.

“This is something that we should all rally behind,” newly-elected U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello said in a Daily Local News report, “and this, frankly, is something we should be very optimistic about in the years to come.”

The House of Representatives proposal is titled the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act.

“I think passenger rail represents one of the best hopes for relief of the country’s congested highways and air space, and certainly here in Chester County,” Costello said. “It offers more promise for economic development opportunities around the train stations, as well as more folks taking passenger rail through the heart of Chester County.”

Read more about the reform bill, current improvement plans for Downingtown, Exton and Paoli, and other local leaders’ comments about the future of rail in the Daily Local News here.