This article has been reprinted from the June 27 USDA Grain Transportation Report.
On June 12, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the recipients of more than $326 million in grant funds under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements and the Special Transportation Circumstances Programs.
The grants fund 45 projects in 29 states and will be used to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems.
Over one-third of the funds—more than $118 million—were awarded to rural projects.
For one project, up to $7.2 million will be used to replace nine timber railroad bridges with concrete bridges on the tracks of the Indiana Rail Road Company, a Class II railroad with operations in central/southwest Indiana and central Illinois.
Another short line, Nebraska Central Railroad, will receive up to $8.1 million to improve bridges and replace degraded track in northeastern and central Nebraska.