The Federal Railroad Administration Awards $2.4 Billion for Rail Infrastructure Grants

The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded $2.4 billion in grants to fund vital U.S. rail projects, addressing both safety and infrastructure across the nation. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has recently awarded a significant $2.4 billion through its CRISI grant program for freight and passenger rail projects across the U.S. These grants, allocated for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, aim to improve rail infrastructure, prioritize safety, and address both large-scale and small rail projects. FRA officials announced the funding in a press statement, noting its benefits to rail networks and transportation efficiency.

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The CRISI program includes a record-setting $1.29 billion dedicated to supporting 81 short-line rail projects across 36 states, underscoring its commitment to smaller railroads. According to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), these funds will bring significant improvements and encourage growth among smaller rail networks. This initiative also focuses on workforce development through apprenticeships, enhanced training, and research, enhancing long-term operational safety and skill-building.

Key Rail Upgrades Funded by The Federal Railroad Administration

One notable grant in Illinois awarded over $157 million to the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will consolidate Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern corridors into a multitrack line. This project will facilitate faster connections between Chicago and St. Louis and create a Multimodal Transportation Center, improving public transportation options by linking passenger rail and bus services. In addition to increased speeds, the corridor will feature new grade crossings, contributing to the project’s overall safety and efficiency goals.

Another major project supported by the Federal Railroad Administration’s funding is the Colonel’s Island Rail Improvements Project in Georgia, with a $26.5 million grant. This collaboration with the Georgia Ports Authority will improve Myd Harris Yard and construct a new South Side Rail Yard at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal. These enhancements will support the region’s automotive shipment transition from truck to rail, benefiting logistics and reducing road traffic congestion.

Environmentally-Focused Rail Projects Supported by The Federal Railroad Administration

A $67 million grant was also allocated to the Detroit RECHARGED initiative, a project that aims to modernize the Livernois Intermodal Facility in Michigan. As part of this project, 17,200 feet of track will be added, and diesel gantry cranes will be replaced with new hybrid and fully electric cranes, reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency in Detroit and Wayne County. This aligns with the FRA’s broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Short-line rail projects also received targeted attention through a $20 million CRISI grant awarded to the ASLRRA. This project involves developing a national data survey for short-line railways, which will gather detailed information on energy usage, emissions, and idle times. Advanced digital systems will be installed on 600 locomotives to collect data that can improve operational efficiency across small railroads nationwide.

Photo, source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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