The Monroe County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday opened with a major announcement about a topic most people gave up on a long time ago: a commuter train.

“A funding opportunity has presented itself to provide the restoration of the long-awaited rail passenger service. Amtrak has proposed to operate a new corridor in Scranton, the Poconos and in New York City, and has calculated the economic benefit of this rail passenger corridor,” said Chairwoman Sharon Laverdure.

The calculated economic benefit of this rail passenger corridor is $7 million annually.

The state of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional railroad authority have already invested over $18 million for passenger rail service.

Amtrak has agreed to provide an analysis of infrastructure, ridership and operational issues at a cost of $100,000, paid by the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional railroad authority as a necessary step in securing funds for the cost construction of the new corridor.

The Monroe County Commissioners said numerous educational and medical institutions, tourism and recreational businesses, and residents could benefit greatly by travel along the new corridor.

“Therefore, the Board of Commissioners of Monroe County strongly endorses a proposed Amtrak corridor between Scranton, the Poconos in New York City, based on the record recognized economic benefits and broad support in our business community, including the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce,” commissioners said in a proclamation.