A key federal transportation official joined Congressman Mike Kelly today in getting an inside look at our area's top employer, GE Transportation. And finding out GE's needs and priorities for continuing to grow and create jobs.
About 1300 jobs were added at the Lawrence Park facility in 2011. And there was a renewed push to export locomotives and parts.
Today, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Pocari and area Congressman Mike Kelly toured the General Electric factory. GE Transportation CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said it was important for both men to see the operation and learn first-hand about GE's needs in the area of government regulations, export financing, and the future of high speed passenger rail service.
Simonelli said, "We work closely with Washington,the policies that are mandated, it's imperative that they hear our voice."
Kelly said he thinks high speed rail might eventually mean a lot of jobs, but he's more concerned about making sure GE's current needs are met.
Pocari, like his boss, President Obama is more optimistic that high speed passenger rail service will come sooner rather than later, benefiting General Electric.
He said, "That translates directly into jobs here in Erie. And around the country because the opportunity for passenger rail as we re-invest in a system that we had 60 years ago is going to be tremendous."
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