US, Phl Ink Deal for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have signed an agreement for the US government's funding to support the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway.

- By Louella Desiderio

In a statement yesterday, the US Embassy said USTDA acting director Thomas Hardy and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led the signing of the agreement, which formalizes the technical assistance funding to be provided by the US for the SCMB Railway.

The railway, which is a flagship project under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), aims to link three major ports in Luzon and decongest traffic at the Port of Manila.

Last month, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) announced that the USTDA increased its funding for the pre-feasibility study of the SCMB Railway to $3.8 million from $2.5 million.