Luzerne County Forms Committee to Sell Rail Line

The Government of Luzerne County has formed a committee of five blue-ribbon panelists to evaluate three proposals for the purchase of a rail line owned by the Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County. The sale is a requirement of a litigation settlement following a July 2025 lawsuit filed by the County Council regarding an outstanding loan of approximately $3.3 million.

The committee is tasked with issuing a recommendation by September 14, with the final sale expected to close by October 9. Proceeds from the transaction will first be used to repay the county loan and cover associated legal fees. The request for proposals mandates that the rail line remain operational, though it allows for the acquisition of inactive sections to be converted into recreational trails.

While the current bidders have not been identified, the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad previously submitted an unsolicited $10 million offer in October 2025. That proposal included plans to expand freight services and introduce passenger excursions. The sale comes as the lease for the current operator, R. J. Corman Railroad Group, is set to expire on October 30.