WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, hopes to fund two projects in Butler County with money from the 2007 federal budget.

English announced Thursday he has submitted a request for $500,000 to help the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad replace or upgrade the six rail trestles between Butler and Petrolia, including the trestle that burned last month.

English and railroad representatives have been working on the project for about two years, and the congressman stresses how important the rail line is for the three chemical-petroleum businesses in Petrolia — Sonneborn, Indspec and Penreco.

Robert Grossman, B&P's executive vice president of government and industrial affairs, said while the $500,000, if appropriated, won't completely pay for the project, it will help. The project could run several million dollars.

"These bridges are old and need to be replaced for safety reasons, but that depends how fast we can receive help from the federal and state governments, as well as company funds," he said.

As for the Divener Trestle that burned May 10, Grossman said the trestle's remains have been knocked down and are being buried with fill dirt so the railroad can rebuild the line. Currently, the three Petrolia companies are moving materials and products by tractor-trailers, which is more expensive for the companies.

"The (state) Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been tremendous in helping us and moving the process forward fast," he said.

The line will be reopened sometime this summer.

While asking for railroad money, English also has requested $250,000 in federal money for the Penn Theater Community Trust, which is renovating the Penn Theater on Main Street in Butler.

Don Rasely, trust chairman and theater owner, explained the money, if awarded, would be used for renovations, plus a proposed theater technology and support center.

Rasely said exactly what the center would entail has not been determined, but it would consist of classroom space and equipment to teach children how to build computerized stage sets.

"We are working on our business plan and defining our funding sources," Rasely said.

English's requests were approved by the House Appropriations Committee and the House, and have been sent to the U.S. Senate.

The Senate is not expected to take up the matter until after its July 4 break.