A state grant awarded to Winner Steel Inc. should help to improve the company's rail system and will help to maintain and create jobs in Mercer County, according to legislators.

The $225,750 grant from the Rail Freight Assistance Program was awarded to the Sharon company to "improve its rail capabilities, supporting economic growth and reducing highway congestion. The improvements will help maintain 220 jobs and create 30 new jobs," according to a news release from state Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District.

Robbins and state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, announced the awarding of the grant Friday.

"Communities have to maintain and improve their transportation infrastructure to promote economic development and create jobs," Robbins said in the release. "Rail transportation has played an important part in our region's heritage and continues to be a vital component to our economic development and job creation."

Said Gruitza, "This grant will help increase the area's economic competitiveness by improving the ability to move goods. The improvements will help Winner Steel remain as a stable employer."

The Rail Freight Assistance Program is administered by the state Department of Transportation.

The grants are part of the commonwealth's effort to improve the overall transportation system, with a focus on meeting the "just in time" requirements of shippers and receivers, the release said.