FRA Allocates $108 Million for Rural Rail Projects in the U.S.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated more than $108 million for nine projects in rural areas. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

These projects concern the states of Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming and are funded under the Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) Grant Program. The majority of the funds will be used to modernize rail infrastructure and improve logistics processes.

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Many of these projects are aimed at supporting small rail companies that play a key role in supply chains. The program includes track upgrades, rolling stock renewal, and improvements to highway-rail crossings.

Rail Projects in Alaska Aim to Boost Freight Operations

In Alaska, stations at the Seward and Fairbanks terminals will be modernized to increase freight flows and ensure further growth. Additionally, the Alaska Railroad Corporation will purchase 20 new cars to transport a variety of goods needed to service the corridor connecting several key cities in the state.

Infrastructure Improvements Planned for South Dakota and Wyoming Rail Projects

In South Dakota, culverts along the Sisseton Milbank line will be upgraded to improve track resilience and drainage, which is particularly important during extreme weather. Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc. will upgrade 16 miles of track and 34 structures along its main line to improve safety and support the region’s economic growth.

On the D&I railroad, 17 crossings and 12 miles of track will be upgraded to increase safety and train speed. These improvements will significantly boost capacity and help handle increased freight volumes.

In Wyoming, a hazardous crossing on College Drive will be closed. In its place, a new overpass will be built, preventing collisions between cars and trains and improving road mobility in the area.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose emphasized the importance of these projects for the development of rail transportation across the country. According to him, rail systems play a critical role in transporting people and goods, and the STC program ensures that every state receives support to create a reliable infrastructure.

The STC Grant Program was designed for states without intercity rail service or access to the national network.

Funding is provided through several FRA programs, such as the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Program, the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, and the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Program.

These programs received significant funding increases under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden.

Through these programs, the FRA has allocated billions of dollars, continuing to fulfill the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating a safe and modern rail network.

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