September 25, 2023

1 

FY 2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure 

and Safety Improvement Program 

Selections: Project Summaries 

Alabama – Blackbelt and Central Alabama Freight Rail Improvement Project 

(Up to $15,870,960) 

Alabama Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to complete various trackrelated and bridge improvements on two short-line rail lines within the state, the Eastern 

Alabama Railway (EARY) and Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR). The project aligns with 

the selection criteria by improving system and service performance as it will increase maximum 

allowable speeds on both rail corridors, enhance storage capacity, and improve safety. EARY 

and MNBR will contribute funds totaling a 51.1 percent non-Federal match. This project 

qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Alabama – Reduce Extended Delays; Enhance Safety; and Invest in Growing 

Neighborhoods (R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N.) Project (Up to $8,000,000) 

City of Birmingham, AL 

The proposed project involves project development activities on two segments along Norfolk 

Southern Railway’s rail line for various track, bridge, signal, road re-alignment, and grade 

crossing improvements (including grade separations and closure of multiple crossings). 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance as it 

will advance efforts to improve community safety and access to schools and residential areas 

with fewer blocked train encounters, and it will increase the fluidity of freight and Amtrak’s 

Crescent passenger rail operations. A combination of funding from the city of Birmingham, AL, 

city of Trussville, AL, and Norfolk Southern Railway will contribute a 20 percent non-Federal 

match. 

Alabama –Safety, Efficiency, Capacity Improvement and Service Restoration Project 

(Up to $3,476,110) 

Huntsville & Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCR) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace the Aldridge 

Creek railroad bridge and complete various track-related improvements on HMCR's rail line. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety, improving service 

performance, and restoring bridge load carrying capacity to 286,000 pounds to meet exiting and 

anticipated demand. A combination of funding from HMCR, city of Huntsville, AL, and the 

state of Alabama will contribute a 45 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the 

statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
2 

Alabama – Transportation Investments for Employment and Safety (TIES) Project 

(Up to $37,364,504) 

OmniTRAX Holdings Combined, Inc. 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

track-related improvements and enhancements to certain grade crossings. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance as it will make state of 

good repair investments to an estimated combined 135 high-density track miles on three (3) 

OmniTRAX short line railroads – Illinois Railway, Alabama & Tennessee River Railway, and 

Georgia & Florida Railway, which will help sustain current FRA Class 1 and 2 track safety 

standards (varies by railroad) and maintain current timetable speeds. OmniTRAX will provide a 

20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in 

Rural Areas.

Arkansas – Resilient Infrastructure & Safety Enhancement Project (Up to $11,830,000) 

DeQueen and Eastern Railroad, LLC 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track 

improvements, rehabilitation of certain bridges, modification to select grade crossings, and other 

associated infrastructure improvements to the DeQueen and Eastern Railroad (DQE) and the 

Texas, Oklahoma and Eastern Railroad – the rail lines operate as a single railroad in certain parts 

of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system 

and service performance as it will improve operations, allow for increased carrying capacity to 

286,000 pounds to meet existing and anticipated demand, and enhance resiliency of the railroad 

to withstand severe weather events and adverse impacts from potential flooding. DQE will 

provide a 30 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Areas.

California-- Six Grade Separations in the City of Shafter Project (Up to $201,946,942) 

California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) 

The proposed project involves final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction activities 

for improvements to six (6) grade crossings and track-related improvements. In an area where 

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway’s existing main line and the CHSRA’s future rail line 

parallel each other, the project will remove seven (7) at-grade crossings and convert them to 

grade-separated crossings, closing one crossing, in a rural, disadvantaged community within the 

Central Valley. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and safety as it will enhance safety to freight rail and Amtrak San Joaquins trains, 

as well as improve traffic flows by eliminating encounters with blocked crossings, which will 

reduce delays to emergency vehicles and motorists, and non-motorized users. CHSRA will 

provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-asides for 

projects in Rural Areas and new Intercity Passenger Rail. 
3 

California – Sacramento to Roseville Third Track – Phase 1 Project (Up to $42,510,000) 

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJA)

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track-related and signal improvements, enhancements to certain grade crossings, one 

new bridge, trespassing prevention measures, and other related infrastructure within Union 

Pacific Railroad’s (UPRR) corridor. The project aligns with the selection criteria by increasing 

capacity to meet existing and anticipated demand as it will directly benefit the Capitol Corridor 

passenger rail service from Sacramento, CA to Roseville, CA, allowing two additional daily 

round trips to operate on a new third main line which will preserve the capability and fluidity of 

UPRR’s main line. The state of California will provide a 71.9 percent non-Federal match. Other 

Federal funds consist of $2,000,000 from the Federal Highway Administration. 

California - Trespass Enforcement Project (Up to $78,759) 

City of Riverside, California 

The proposed project involves a safety program concerning trespass enforcement and education 

activities along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in the city of Riverside. The city’s 

Public Safety Engagement Team Railroad Trespasser Reduction Task Force – comprised of the 

Riverside Police Department, the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions, and other city departments 

– will engage in a multi-faceted approach to decrease the number trespassing incidents in railroad 

rights-of-way from persons who are experiencing homelessness. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by improving safety. In addition, some proposed activities include connecting 

homeless persons with social services and cleaning up the affected areas that have become 

unsanitary and unhealthy public health hazards. The city of Riverside, CA 

will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects to prevent trespassing. 

California – The Central Valley Rail Emissions, Logistics and Crossing Improvement 

Project (Up to $12,279,127) 

Modesto and Empire Traction Company (M&ET) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities to 

rehabilitate over multiple grade crossings (including associated workforce training), complete 

track improvements, and remanufacture two (2) Tier 0 high polluting switching locomotives to 

become Tier 4 Environmental Protection Agency compliant. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by improving system and service performance, and safety as it will improve the 

M&ET’s operating efficiency and safety, as well as reduce fuel consumption and emissions. 

M&ET will provide a 30 percent non-Federal match. 
4 

California - California Napa Valley Railroad Locomotive Emissions Improvement Project 

(Up To $2,058,750) 

Napa Valley Railroad 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace seven (7) highly 

polluting locomotives with three (3) near-zero-emission locomotives. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by enhancing competitiveness, service performance and ability to meet existing 

and anticipated demand as it will allow Napa Valley Railroad to transport its passengers more 

efficiently with lowered fuel consumption, decrease the surrounding community’s exposure to 

harmful emissions, and it may aid with climate change mitigation. The Napa Valley Railroad and 

the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will contribute funds totaling a 75 percent nonFederal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

California - SMART Healdsburg Green Rail Modernization Project (Up to $31,892,394) 

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART)

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for the following 

components: 1) replacement of three (3) older, higher emission, freight locomotives with lower 

emission, Tier 4 Environmental Protection Agency compliant freight locomotives; and 2) 

installation of a Positive Train Control (PTC) system on SMART’s corridor between Windsor, 

CA and Healdsburg, CA. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and 

resilience as it will help expand SMART’s short line freight rail capacity while reducing the 

climate impacts of the freight rail services, as well as provide benefits to passenger rail 

commuter services through extension of SMART PTC systems across several grade crossings, 

allowing for return of rail services into rural, northern Sonoma County. 

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the state of California will contribute funds 

totaling a 50 percent non-Federal match.

Connecticut – Housatonic Railroad Service Restoration and Safety Investment Project 

(Up to $5,372,500) 

Housatonic Railroad Company Inc. (HRRC) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track-related 

improvements and upgrades to multiple bridges. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

improving system and service performance and ability to meet existing and anticipated demand 

as it will restore a portion of HRRC’s rail line that is out of service and improve approximately 

18 miles of rail line to increase freight rail capacity and improve operational safety. Also, the 

project will help HRRC maintain its connection with Pan Am Southern/CSX Transportation and 

Metro-North. A combination of funds from HRRC and two customers (Oak Ridge Waste and 

Interstate and Lakeland Lumber) will provide a 30 percent non-Federal match.
5 

District of Columbia – Short Line PTC Performance Analytics & Security on the NEC 

Project (Up to $2,520,000) 

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to provide short line 

railroads that operate as tenants on the Northeast Corridor (NEC), as well as utilize Advanced 

Civil Speed Enforcement System Positive Train Control (PTC) system, with PTC Performance 

Analytics & Security, which entails the development of a cloud-based, back-office server and the 

installation of electronic equipment on locomotives. The proposed system is interoperable with 

other applicable systems and will allow operators on the NEC to perform various automated 

functions related to security keys and Key Exchange Servers. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by enhancing safety as it will improve communications, enhance customer 

service, and provide railroads with greater visibility into safety faults that occur during rail 

operations. A combination of funds from ASLRRA, Wabtec, and additional short line railroads 

will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match.

District of Columbia – Northeast Corridor Fencing Program (Up to $8,800,000) 

National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 

The proposed project involves project development activities to inform trespassing prevention 

capital projects (e.g., fence installation) at sites vulnerable to, and at high risk for trespassing 

incidents along the Northeast Corridor. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

enhancing safety as it will help Amtrak to plan and streamline efforts for future related capital 

work that will result in increased safety for communities that Amtrak operates in and through. 

Amtrak will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. 

This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects to prevent trespassing. 

Florida-- Trespassing Identification and Classification System Project (Up to $1,648,000) 

Brightline Trains Florida, LLC (Brightline) 

The proposed project involves research and safety program activities to develop a software that 

utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to collect reliable and precise data about trespassing locations 

and trespasser behavior. The project aligns with the selection criteria and Administration priority 

by enhancing safety as it will help mitigate the higher number of trespassing incidents that occur 

in south Florida, and will provide real-time computer-driven analysis and data aggregation of 

trespass activity along the shared Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline corridor. In 

addition, the project will guide targeted infrastructure, enforcement, and education decisions for 

Brightline, local partners, and the Florida Department of Transportation. The project utilizes an 

innovative (AI based) research and safety program to address trespassing behavior in a corridor 

with one of the -a highest incidence of fatal trespassing incidents in the country. Brightline and 

Wi-Tronix will contribute a combined 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for 

the statutory set-aside for projects to prevent trespassing. 
6 

Florida - Central Florida Rail Corridor Crossings and Trespassing Safety Improvements 

Project (Up to $6,928,241) 

Florida Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to complete various 

improvements at approximately 110 highway-rail grade crossings (e.g., pavement markings, 

signage, surface replacement, and installing traffic signal equipment (pre-emption, pre-signals, 

and queue-cutter related, etc.), as well as complete trespassing prevention improvements at select 

locations. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as it will help 

increase the safety of pedestrians, motorists, two freight rail carriers (CSX Transportation and 

Florida Central Railroad), Amtrak, and Sun Rail commuter service at certain at-grade crossings 

along the Central Florida Rail Corridor. The project will also mitigate pedestrian trespassing to 

channel trespassers to the grade crossing or pedestrian crossings. The Florida Department of 

Transportation will provide a 50 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the 

statutory set-aside for projects to prevent trespassing. 

Florida – Florida Panhandle Rail Resiliency and Connectivity Project (Up to $23,198,945) 

Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad, LLC (FGA) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track-related improvements and upgrades to several bridges. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by improving system and service performance and ability to meet existing and 

anticipated demand as it will help improve the 100-mile-long stretch of FGA's mainline through 

Florida's panhandle. The improvements will expand operating capacity and ensure safety, as the 

railroad that transports hazardous commodities in an area that is consistently impacted by severe 

hurricanes. FGA is providing a 30 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the 

statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Florida – Southwest Florida Rail Corridor Enhancement for Growth Project 

(Up to $9,600,000) 

Seminole Gulf Railway 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

track-related improvements along an estimated 12-mile segment of Seminole Gulf Railway’s rail 

corridor. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and ability to meet existing and anticipated demand as it will improve operations 

and reliability with increased travel speeds and load carrying capacity, as well as substantially 

reduce maintenance costs and track defects. Through interchange connects with CSX 

Transportation and its broader rail network, the project will also help Seminole Gulf Railway to 

enhance its economic competitiveness. Seminole Gulf Railway will provide a 20 percent nonFederal match. This project qualifies for the statutory 

set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
7 

Florida – A Comprehensive Approach to Promoting Railroading Careers and Developing 

the Current Rail Industry Workforce (Up to $17,073,949) 

University of South Florida 

The proposed project involves rail industry workforce development activities through actions 

including, but not limited to, targeted outreach to elementary and secondary education students, 

internship programs for future railroaders and rail researchers, delivery of training, and workforce 

development programs that include emerging technologies training. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by improving the ability of the future workforce to meet existing and anticipated 

demand as it will help address current challenges, such as an aging workforce and critical skill 

gaps, and make strides to stabilize and grow the rail industry workforce. A combination of 

funding from ENSCO, Inc., Colorado State University-Pueblo, Michigan Technological 

University, Oregon State University, San Jose State University Research foundation, University 

of Hawaii, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of South Florida will contribute 

the 23 percent non-Federal match.

Illinois – West Cook Rail Safety Improvement Project (Up to $2,888,000) 

Cook County, Illinois 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to install trespassing 

prevention improvements along the BNSF Railway corridor in west suburban Cook County, the 

busiest line for the Metra commuter rail system and a major freight corridor. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as it will address rail safety hot spots with 

histories of trespassing related incidents. The project will also improve safety by channeling 

pedestrians to the grade crossings, which are adjacent to Metra stations, and create a barrier 

along the corridor to keep trespassers out of the rail right of way. Cook County, IL will provide 

a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects to 

prevent trespassing. 

Illinois – Ties and Rail Upgrade for Economic Growth on the Keokuk Junction Railway 

Project (Up to $15,268,018) 

Keokuk Junction Railway Co. (KJRY) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities to 

complete various track-related improvements, in an effort to rehabilitate KJRY’s 126-mile 

mainline. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance as it will increase track safety standards from Excepted track to FRA Class 2 track 

standards, resulting in increased operating speeds and more efficient operations. KJRY will 

provide a 30 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Areas.
8 

Indiana – Safety, Sustainability, and Alternative Energy Project (Up to $2,685,600) 

Louisville and Indiana Railroad Company (LIRC) 

The proposed project includes final design and construction activities for various track-related 

improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and solar panel installation at certain rail 

facilities. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance as it will help LIRC to increase reliability of service on the rail line from 

Indianapolis, IN to Louisville, KY, reduce safety risks such as derailments caused by potential 

rail failures, and implement energy-saving infrastructure. Louisville and Indiana Railroad 

Company and the Indiana Department of Transportation will provide a 52 percent non-Federal 

match.

Indiana – Upgrading a Critical Indiana-Illinois Rail Corridor Project (Up to $8,128,000) 

Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway Corp. (TPW) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for a 

variety of track-related improvements. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

improving ability to meet existing or anticipated demand as it will increase capacity to stage and 

store railcars, as well as return the track to a state of good repair along TPW’s corridor that 

serves agricultural customers in rural areas of Indiana and Illinois. The project will also increase 

safety and reliability, in addition to improving operations through the elimination of inefficient 

movements. TPW and the Indiana Department of Transportation will contribute funds totaling a 

50.5 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in 

Rural Areas.

Iowa – Streamline Rail Operations and Improve Yard Safety in Cedar Rapids Project 

(Up to $5,850,000) 

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Co. (CRANDIC) 

The proposed project will conduct final design and construction activities for various 

improvements (e.g., new tracks, station building, and equipment) to expand the CRANDIC 

Smith-Dows Rail Yard. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and 

service performance and safety as it will remove capacity and facility constraints, make 

interchanging and switching operations safer, ensure fewer locomotive and crew truck traffic and 

emissions, and create a dependable reporting location and storm shelter for CRANDIC operating 

staff. It will also help reduce reliance of other yard facilities in central Cedar Rapids. CRANDIC 

will provide a 50 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Areas.
9 

Iowa – Davenport Riverfront Rail Crossing Safety Improvements Project 

(Up to $2,749,720) 

City of Davenport, Iowa 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various safety 

improvements (e.g., signals, gates, crossing signage, etc.) at multiple highway-rail grade 

crossings, as well as trespassing prevention measures (e.g., barriers and/or fencing), in 

Davenport, IA. With the proximity of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad’s (CPKC) rail line 

to the city’s commercial riverfront district and multi-purpose trails, there are many conflict 

points along the rail line, creating safety challenges that require the trains to frequently sound the 

horn for an estimated nine-mile distance. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

enhancing safety as it will help improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, especially in an area with 

anticipated increased freight rail traffic. The city of Davenport, IA and CPKC will provide a 20 

percent non-Federal match. 

Kansas – kWat: Electrifying Watco Locomotives Project (Up to $15,740,943) 

Kansas Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to convert eight (8) 

non-regulated or Tier 0 locomotives into fully battery powered units. The locomotives will be 

deployed across Watco’s short line railroads in varying operational and geographic environments. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and 

building resilience as it will reduce emissions and maintenance expenses, in addition to allowing 

Watco to assess additional and varied switching duty cycles and environmental and social 

impacts. Watco is providing a 20 percent non-Federal match.

Kansas – Southeast Kansas Short Line Rail Upgrade and Growth Project 

(Up to $31,225,484) 

Kansas Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves construction activities for track-related improvements on the 

Neodesha Subdivision of the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL). The project will 

improve approximately 37 miles of rail resulting in improved operations and capacity. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing or anticipated 

demand as it will allow the SKOL to increase its load carrying capacity to 286,000 pounds and 

upgrade to FRA Class 2 track standard from Class 1 track, further contributing to SKOL’s ability 

to enhance economic competitiveness and meet customer demand, including a new soybean 

crushing facility. Kansas Department of Transportation and SKOL will provide a 20 percent 

non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
10

Kentucky – Foster Economic Sustainability Throughout Kentucky Project 

(Up to $29,563,000) 

Paducah and Louisville Railway, Inc. (PAL) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track improvements in a rail yard, upgrades to multiple bridges along PAL’s 280-mile 

main line, and rehabilitation of locomotives. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

improving system and service performance and safety as it will help improve operations by 

reducing delays and increase the safety and resiliency with reduced chance of derailments on a 

rail line that transports hazardous chemicals. The project also strongly meets the Administration 

priority of equitable economic strength. PAL will provide a 53 percent non-Federal match. This 

project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Louisiana – The Rural Louisiana Short Line Rail Modernization Initiative Project 

(Up to $16,800,000) 

Louisiana Southern Railroad LLC (LAS) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track-related 

improvements, repairs or replacement of certain bridges and culverts, and grade crossing upgrades. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and ability to meet existing and 

anticipate demand as it will improve LAS’ mainline by increasing safety standards on a rail 

corridor that transports hazmat loads, eliminating operating capacity inefficiencies (e.g., increasing 

load carrying capacity to 286,000 pounds), and increasing resiliency. The project will also help 

eliminate blocked crossing occurrences near a medical facility. LAS, along with Canadian Pacific 

Kansas City Railroad, as project partner, will contribute funds totaling a 20 percent non-Federal 

match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Louisiana – Mississippi-Louisiana Grade Crossing Improvement Project (Up to $1,826,000) 

National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 

The proposed project involves systems planning activities for a corridor study that will evaluate 

the safety, roadway connectivity, reliability, and potential improvements, including but not 

limited to trespassing prevention measures, to 395 highway-rail grade crossings on Amtrak’s 

City of New Orleans route through Mississippi and Louisiana. In partnership with Canadian 

National Railway and the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, Amtrak will conduct the study and 

prioritize the grade crossings to be improved, among other related tasks. The project aligns with 

the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and safety as it will facilitate 

safety improvements along this corridor that will also improve reliability of the service. Amtrak 

will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-asides for 

projects in Rural Areas, new Intercity Passenger Rail, and trespass prevention. 
11

Maryland - Port of Baltimore Strategic Acquisition of Battery Electric Locomotives Project 

(Up to $11,584,317) 

Maryland Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace three older, nonregulated emission diesel-electric switching locomotives with three (3) new battery electric 

locomotives and one (1) battery charger at the Port of Baltimore. CSX Transportation (CSX) 

will operate and own the battery electric locomotives within its Curtis Bay Piers terminal at the 

port. The locomotives run idle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week even when not in production. The 

project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience as it will allow for the first ever 

zero-exhaust emissions locomotives at an east coast port, benefiting port employees, shippers 

served by the port, and disadvantaged communities through decreased air emissions and noise. 

CSX is providing a 50 percent non-Federal match.

Maryland -- Penn-Camden Connector Project (Up to $8,800,000) 

Maryland Department of Transportation - Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA)

The proposed project involves project development activities for various rail infrastructure 

improvements to support a new rail connection between the Maryland Area Rail Commuter 

(MARC) Penn Line, on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, and the MARC Camden Line, on CSX 

Transportation’s (CSX) Capital Subdivision. The project will help advance efforts to provide a 

rail connection between the Penn and Camden Lines, improving operations and reliability for 

passenger rail and freight train service. Furthermore, the project aligns with the selection criteria 

by improving ability to meet existing and anticipated demand as it will support MTA’s future 

efforts to relocate the MARC trainset storage facility, which will enable Amtrak to advance its 

plans to redevelop Baltimore’s Penn Station and Union Station in Washington, D.C. MTA will 

provide a 20 percent non-Federal match.

Massachusetts – Connecting the Commonwealth: Early Actions for the Inland Route 

Project (Up to $108,085,280) 

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track, signal, grade crossing and bridge improvements on the Inland Route corridor, 

which is CSX Transportation-owned and MassDOT-owned infrastructure. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and ability to meet 

existing and anticipated demand as it will increase capacity to safely accommodate the addition 

of two round trip Amtrak Lake Shore Limited intercity passenger trains per day at higher speeds, 

while maintaining current freight operations. The improvements will raise the track class in 

many locations from FRA Class tracks 2 and 3 currently, to Class 4 standard and address 

multiple areas of track alignment within curves that were not designed for the 80-mph maximum 

speed allowed under Class 4 on railroads equipped with Positive Train Control. MassDOT and 

Amtrak will contribute funds totaling a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for 

the statutory set-aside for new Intercity Passenger Rail projects. 
12

Michigan - Manistee River Bridge Replacement Project (Up to $20,385,000) 

Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace the Manistee 

River Bridge, which was built in 1888 and currently has many components that are in poor or 

critical condition. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and ability to meet existing or anticipated demand as it will help restore railroad 

timetable speeds, increase the load rating of the structure to allow 286,000-pound railcars, and 

preserve rail service to commodity shippers in the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan. The 

infrastructure this project will take place on is owned by Michigan DOT and leased to Great 

Lakes Central Railroad. Michigan DOT and Great Lakes Central Railroad will contribute funds 

totaling a 40 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Areas.

Minnesota – MVRRA Track Rehabilitation Evaluation Project (Up to $520,000) 

Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority (MVRRA) 

The proposed project involves project development activities for track reconstruction on an 

approximately 40-mile-long segment on MVRRA’s rail line, as well as assessing grade crossing 

safety improvement options. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as 

it will evaluate track infrastructure improvements to resolve current challenges caused by track 

geometry and geographic limitations. Furthermore, the project will help advance efforts to allow 

110-car freight trains to move 25 miles per hour, increase load capacity to 286,000-pounds, and 

allow for an interchange connection with the BNSF Railway where there is currently an out-ofservice connection. MVRRA will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies 

for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas. 

Minnesota – TC&W Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Project 

(Up to $2,103,000) 

Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company (TC&W) 

The proposed project involves construction activities for track-related improvements to convert 

approximately 13 miles of jointed rail into continuous welded rail (CWR). The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as it will improve safety, reduce the potential for 

costly derailments, and decrease overall maintenance costs. Also, the project supports a multiyear program to eliminate all jointed rail on its mainline, making for stronger and safer rail 

infrastructure. TC&W will provide a 50 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for 

the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
13

Mississippi – Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement Project (Up to $178,435,333) 

National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design and construction activities for 

various track and signal-related improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and 

improvements to certain stations along a key rail corridor in the Gulf Coast region, from New 

Orleans, LA to Mobile, AL. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing 

competitiveness, reliability and ability to meet existing or anticipated demand as it will help 

facilitate the introduction of intercity passenger rail service (two round trip trains per day) while 

mitigating potential adverse impacts to freight operations from CSX Transportation, Norfolk 

Southern Railway, and the Port of Mobile, as well as help achieve targeted trip times and service 

reliability. The project also aligns with the Administration’s priority to transform the national 

rail network by encouraging the development of new intercity passenger rail. A combination of 

funds from Amtrak, the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, CSX Transportation, and 

Norfolk Southern Railway will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies 

for the statutory set-asides for projects in Rural Areas and New Intercity Passenger Rail.

Mississippi – Gloster Southern Railroad Restoration Project (Up to $52,000,000) 

Town of Gloster, Mississippi 

The proposed project involves final design, right of way acquisition, and construction activities 

for various track-related improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and rehabilitation of 

multiple bridges and culverts. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving ability 

to meet existing and anticipated demand and enhancing safety as it will reestablish rail service, 

discontinued in 2009, on an estimated 35-mile segment of Gloster Southern Railroad and will 

serve existing businesses in an area with historically disadvantaged communities in Louisiana 

and Mississippi. Restoring the rail line will help reduce emissions, foster economic development, 

and improve safety. Gloster Southern Railroad’s private partners, CLAW Forestry Services, 

LLC and Tatum Gravel, LLC, will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project 

qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Missouri – Chapell Drive Overpass Project (Up to $4,987,399) 

City of Monett, Missouri 

The proposed project involves final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction activities 

for grade crossing improvements including a new grade separated structure, Chapell Drive over 

BNSF Railway’s line, which will eliminate the existing at-grade highway-rail crossing. The 

project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and safety 

as it will help improve safety and traffic flows amongst freight rail, motorists, and pedestrians at 

a crossing where 25 trains per day (on average) operate. A combination of funds from the City 

of Monett, MO, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and BNSF Railway will provide a 

36.4 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in 

Rural Areas.
14

Missouri – Eastern Missouri Freight Resiliency Project (Up to $7,817,461) 

Jaguar Transport Holdings LLC 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track-related improvements, in an effort to rehabilitate approximately 52 miles of the 

Missouri Eastern Railroad (MER). The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving 

system and service performance and enhancing resilience as it will help increase capacity, 

improve operations with changes such as increasing the status of the line from FRA Class 1 track 

standards to Class 2 standards, and improve safety due to enhancements that will help MER to 

withstand flooding and safely handle a high percentage of hazardous materials. Jaguar Transport 

Holdings will provide a 25 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory 

set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Nebraska – Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project (Up to $15,224,354) 

Cathcart Rail, LLC 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for track-related 

improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and expansion of the railcar repair facility. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and 

resilience as it will help modernize the Cornhusker Railroad, resulting in safer and more efficient 

operations, including improved interchanging of train with two Class I railroads. Cathcart Rail, 

LLC will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory setaside for projects in Rural Areas.

New Hampshire – Portsmouth Bridge Replacement and Grade Crossing Improvements 

Project (Up to $345,000) 

City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire 

The proposed project involves project development activities for the replacement of the Bartlett 

Street Bridge (Bridge), as well as various track improvements and upgrades to certain grade 

crossings. The Bridge is on CSX Transportation’s Portsmouth Branch and has exceeded its 

service life; it is not capable of carrying industry standard freight cars of 286,000-pound gross 

weight and it has sub-standard highway vertical & horizontal clearance which creates a safety 

hazard. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing or 

anticipated demand as it will help CSX and the city of Portsmouth prepare for future project 

phases to improve railroad operations, safer grade crossings, and enhance economic vitality to 

the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the NH Port Authority Market Street Marine Terminal and other 

rail served customers. The city of Portsmouth, NH will provide a 25 percent non-Federal match. 

This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
15

New Jersey – Point-No-Point Bridge Replacement, Phase 2 Project (Up to $59,136,891) 

Consolidated Rail Corporation Shared Assets (Conrail) 

The proposed project involves construction activities to complete various improvements to 

replace the current, obsolete Point-No-Point (PNP) Bridge, a swing-type bascule bridge, with a 

more resilient and efficient single-leaf bascule drawbridge structure. The PNP Bridge is on 

Conrail’s Passaic and Harsimus line, a critical rail infrastructure component as it connects 

Norfolk Southern Railway’s and CSX Transportation’s rail lines to the Port of New York and 

New Jersey. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance as it will improve rail operations with reduction of open and close times from 5.5 

hours to 12 minutes and would reduce the need for trains to take a 12-mile detour, due to the 

prolonged timeframe it currently takes to close the PNP Bridge. Also, the project will help 

improve passenger rail service, as it will help Amtrak advance other improvements on the 

Northeast Corridor which will lead to fewer delays to the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) 

and New Jersey Transit trains. Conrail will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match.

New York – Watkins Glen Rural Track Rehabilitation Project (Up to $3,869,945) 

Finger Lakes Railway Corp. 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for a 

variety of track-related improvements and upgrades to certain grade crossings. The project 

aligns with the selection criteria by improving safety, capacity, and reliability in the 

transportation system in the Finger Lakes region by making needed improvements to the Finger 

Lakes Railway’s Himrod Line in rural New York, which provides a critical gateway to the 

national rail system and global markets for New York’s salt industry. Finger Lakes Railway will 

provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Areas.

New York - Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Systemwide Tier 3 Clean Locomotive Acquisition 

Project (Up to $12,600,000) 

Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad Corp. 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to rehabilitate six (6) Tier 

0 locomotives to meet Tier 3 Environmental Protection Agency standards. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance as it will help provide 

substantial operational savings (potential 40 percent to 65 percent reduction in fuel consumption) 

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby imparting benefits to the rural New York 

population communities and rail users that the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad serves. The 

Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad Corp. is providing a 30 percent non-Federal match. This 

project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
16

New York – Adirondack Bridge Capacity and Resilience Project (Up to $3,360,000) 

Mohawk, Adirondack & Northern Railroad Corp. (MHWA) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design and construction activities for 

various improvements to three bridges on MHWA’s rail network. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by improving system and service performance and ability to meet existing and 

anticipated demand as it will allow two bridges to accommodate modern 286,000-pound freight 

cars, an improvement from the current 263,000-pound restriction. Furthermore, the project will 

restore the bridges to a state of good repair, one of which MHWA removed from service 

relatively recently due to its condition, and improve safety for highway users, freight and 

passenger excursion traffic. A combination of funds from MHWA, New York State Department 

of Transportation, and the city of Rome, NY will provide a 25 percent non-Federal match.

New York-- Arthur Kill Lift Bridge Capital Rehabilitation Project (Up to $17,200,000)

New York City Department of Small Business Services

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for the rehabilitation of the 

Arthur Kill Lift Bridge (Bridge), an important rail link along the Staten Island Railroad. The 

Bridge supports the transport of approximately 30 percent of New York City’s annual municipal 

solid waste and supports New York State’s largest container terminal. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by enabling safe, reliable, and efficient freight rail operations to continue at this 

crucial hub of connectivity of rail and marine supply chains, including broader U.S. rail network 

connections via CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway. A combination of funds 

from New York City, the New York State Department of Transportation, and Conrail will 

provide a 20 percent non-Federal match.

New York – NYS&W Railway Syracuse Branch Rehabilitation Project (Up to $3,467,348) 

The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp. (NYS&W) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track-related 

improvements on approximately seven (7) miles of NYS&W’s mainline. This project aligns with 

the selection criteria by enhancing safety and ability to meet existing and anticipated demand as 

it is part of a multi-phase effort that will improve safety and capacity, as well as increase the load 

carrying capacity to the industry standard of 286,000 pounds. The New York State Department 

of Transportation and NYS&W will provide a 48 percent non-Federal match. This project 

qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

North Carolina – Blue Ridge Short Line Safety and Capacity Expansion Project 

(Up to $12,605,093) 

Blue Ridge Southern Railroad LLC (BBLU) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various improvements 

to bridges and track-related components along BBLU’s 72-mile rail network. This project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing and anticipated demand. As part 

of an effort to address deferred maintenance from the previous owner of the railroad, the project 

will allow BBLU to maintain its FRA Class 2 track standard status and 286,000-lb. railcar 

capacity, as well as improve safety and operations with the removal of slow orders due to track 

conditions. BBLU and the North Carolina Department of Transportation will provide a 23 

percent non-Federal match.
17

North Carolina—Railroad Trespass Initiative Overtime Response Project (Up to $96,000) 

City of Greensboro, North Carolina 

The proposed project involves trespassing education, certain eligible equipment purchases, and 

enforcement activities to be conducted by the city of Greensboro’s Police Department. The 

project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as it focuses on identified railroad 

trespassing "hotspots” along a three-mile Amtrak and Norfolk Southern rail corridor within the 

city limits. The project will increase safety and establish a culture in the community to gain 

voluntary compliance with railroad trespass laws. The state of North Carolina will provide a 20 

percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects to 

prevent trespassing. 

North Dakota – Safe and Efficient Grain by Rail in the Red River Valley Project 

(Up to $11,772,708) 

Red River Valley & Western Railroad Company (RRVW) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

track improvements to implement continuous welded rail. This project aligns with the selection 

criteria by enhancing ability to meet existing and anticipated demand. As part of efforts to 

accommodate expected freight growth from a new soybean crushing facility, the project will 

provide safe and efficient freight rail service by eliminating joints in RRVW’s 2nd Subdivision, 

which will help reduce derailment risk. In addition, the project will result in the upgrade of FRA 

Class track safety standard from Class 2 to Class 3. RRVW will provide a 20 percent nonFederal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Ohio – Data Driven Safety Training and Education for Front-Line Railroad Workers 

Project (Up to $602,227) 

International Association of Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART TD) 

The proposed project involves safety programs/workforce development activities, such as safety 

education and training for the railroad employees represented by SMART TD. The project will 

aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing ability to meet existing or anticipated workforce 

demand as it focuses on freight service employees and SMART TD members working in 

intercity passenger transportation regarding issues that include, but are not limited to, accident 

investigation training and dealing with on-board passenger service crisis of unruly passengers 

injuring SMART TD’s members. The project also supports a key Administration priority to 

pursue non-infrastructure safety and workforce development programs. SMART TD is 

providing a 47.7 percent non-Federal match.
18

Ohio – Napoleon, Defiance & Western Critical Safety Upgrade - Phase 2 Project 

(Up to $10,792,157) 

Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track improvements, upgrades to multiple grade crossings, and bridge rehabilitation 

work. The project is part of a multi-phase effort to improve the Napoleon, Defiance & Western 

Railway (NDW). This project aligns with the selection criteria by improving safety, increasing 

ability to meet existing and anticipated demand, and enhancing performance with upgrading the 

track to FRA Class 1 track standard from Excepted track. NDW interchanges with CSX 

Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway, and freight traffic must travel on NDW’s tracks 

before rail cars are interchanged with the Class 1 railroads. ORDC and NDW will provide a 30 

percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural 

Areas.

Ohio - North Central Appalachia Rail Enhancement and Rail Corridor Preservation 

Project (Up to $16,250,000) 

Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track-related 

improvements and rehabilitation to certain bridges, all to improve approximately 180 miles of 

the Kanawha River Railroad (KNWA). The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

improving system and service performance as it will improve operations due to increased track 

speed with track that meets FRA Class 2 track standards, and enhance safety, reliability, and 

ability to meet existing and anticipate demand of a freight rail line that transports chemicals, 

hazardous materials, and other traffic in rural areas of West Virginia and Ohio. KNWA has 

access to and connects its customers to the national rail network through interchanges with 

Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation, and the project will help KNWA continue to 

provide this direct and efficient service. KNWA and Norfolk Southern Railway will provide a 

50 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in 

Rural Areas.

Pennsylvania - Engineering Track Foremen Workforce Development Apprenticeship 

Training Program (Up to $8,800,000) 

National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) 

The proposed project involves workforce development activities to implement a pilot 

engineering Track Foremen/Inspectors workforce development apprenticeship training program 

to further develop the existing program and increase the overall knowledge base required to 

safely supervise field operations. This project aligns with the selection criteria by improving 

ability to meet existing and anticipated workforce demand. The proposed project also involves 

other activities for an additional program that will help employees obtain full Track 

Foremen/Inspectors certification. Recognizing there may not be an adequate number of 

seasoned, highly-skilled employees providing knowledge transfer and mentorship, the project 

will support the development of a comprehensive training requirement for new employees and 

help provide upward mobility for current employees. The project also supports a key 

Administration priority to pursue non-infrastructure safety and workforce development 

programs. Amtrak is providing a 20 percent non-Federal match.
19

Pennsylvania-- Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad: Rebuilding Western Pennsylvania Project 

(Up to $11,250,367) 

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track-related improvements and upgrades to multiple grade crossings on approximately 

220 track miles on the Buffalo & Pittsburg Railroad (BPRR), a critical part of its rail network 

that connects to multiple provides and various Class 1 and short line railroads. The project 

aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service performance and safety as it 

will return BPRR to a state of good repair, support supply chain efficiency, and increase safety 

along a rail line that has had some derailments and carriers a high density of hazmat cargo. 

Pennsylvania DOT and BRPP will provide a 55 percent non-Federal match. This project 

qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

South Carolina – Procurement and Retrofitting of Two Zero-Emission Lithium-Ion 

Battery Electric-Powered Locomotives Project (Up to $ 4,170,000) 

South Carolina Department of Commerce 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for two (2) zero emission 

lithium battery electric powered locomotives and associated charging technology installation. 

The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing and

anticipated demand as it will help Palmetto Railways expand locomotive capacity for its existing 

and future planned industries, while incorporating new technology that will provide a large 

reduction in diesel emissions, improve safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and address 

environmental justice issues in nearby disadvantaged communities. Palmetto Railways will 

provide a 35 percent non-Federal match. 

South Dakota – Sisseton Milbank Railroad Modernization Project (Up to $24,712,204) 

South Dakota Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

the replacement of 37 miles of the Sisseton Milbank Railroad (SMRR), including the 

rehabilitation of one bridge. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as 

it will result in safety benefits with a reduced chance of derailments and increased track speed. 

The project will also enable more efficient truck unloading operations and transportation of grain 

along the corridor. The project also strongly supports several Administration priorities including 

safety, equity, and equitable economic strength. SMRR will provide a 20 percent non-Federal

match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
20

Tennessee -- Tennessee Short Line Railroads Bridge Bundle Project (Up to $23,748,500) 

Tennessee Department of Transportation 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

the rehabilitation or replacement of approximately 42 bridges along 10 different short line 

railroads throughout the state of Tennessee. The bridges are past their intended lifespan and most 

need immediate, extensive repair or replacement. The project aligns with the selection criteria by 

improving system and service performance as it will strengthen the short line rail network and 

improve operational efficiency. A combination of funds from the Tennessee Department of 

Transportation and the short line railroads will provide a 50 percent non-Federal match. This 

project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Tennessee-- Tennken Revitalization and Safety Improvement Project (Up to $7,370,000) 

Tennken Railroad Co., Inc. (TKEN) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for various track 

improvements on TKEN’s main rail line in parts of Tennessee and Kentucky. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving safety and increasing ability to meet existing and 

anticipated demand by accommodating 286,000 pound loads and improving service performance

by upgrading infrastructure from Excepted track to FRA Class 1 and 2 track standards. As 

TKEN prepares for anticipated growth in freight from one new shipper in the area and a new 

connection to a port, sustaining the interchange connection with Canadian National Railway is 

also important to TKEN. The Tennessee Department of Transportation and TKEN will provide a 

33 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in 

Rural Areas.

Texas-- Downtown Laredo Rail Corridor Safety Planning Project (Up to $4,000,000) 

City of Laredo, Texas 

The proposed project involves project development activities for improvements to numerous 

grade crossings on the Laredo Rail Corridor. The project, which is being done in partnership 

with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC), aligns with the selection criteria by 

enhancing safety as it will help advance efforts to close certain at-grade crossings, build grade 

separated structures, and install gate and safety improvements at certain at-grade crossings. 

Also, this project, if built as part of a future phase, will improve safety on the Laredo Corridor, 

improve efficiency and mobility on a vital cross border trade route, and support expanded 

capacity on CPKC’s rail network. The project will improve supply chain efficiency on a critical 

cross-border trade corridor and supports the key administration goal of safety. CPKC will 

contribute a 20 percent non-Federal match.
21

Texas – Rio Valley Rail Capacity Improvement Project (Up to $3,500,000) 

Rio Valley Switching Company (RVSC) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to complete track-related 

improvements and upgrades to multiple bridges along an estimated 50-mile-long corridor on 

RVSC’s rail network. In sections where there is Excepted track standard, the improvements will be 

built to FRA Class 1 track safety standards; in other sections, the project will maintain current FRA 

Class 1 track standards. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and 

service performance and safety as it will improve rail operations and safety to accommodate project 

growth in the Rio Valley region, as well as continue interchange services with Union Pacific. 

RVSC will provide a 30 percent non-Federal match.

Texas – The Sunray Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project (Up to $7,342,032) 

Texas North Western Railway Company (TXNW) 

The proposed project includes project development, final design, and construction activities for 

track-related improvements and replacement of certain bridges. The project aligns with the 

selection criteria by enhancing safety as it will modernize the TXNW, resulting in reduced risk 

of derailment, accommodate the 286,000-pound unit grain trains, and reduce emissions by 

allowing for the utilization of larger, more modern locomotives – includes those of BNSF 

Railway – to access a grain elevator. Also, the project will help TXNW sustain interchange 

services with BNSF Railway. TNW Corporation, owner of TXNW, will provide a 30 percent 

non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Vermont – Tri-State Regional Rail Upgrade Project (Up to $9,654,789) 

State of Vermont Agency of Transportation 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities for 

various track-related improvements and upgrades to certain grade crossings. The project aligns 

with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing and anticipated demand as it will 

improve sections of St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad’s 162-mile corridor in Vermont, New 

Hampshire, and Maine, resulting in increased safety and railcar load capacity from 263,000 

pounds to the current industry standard of 286,000 pounds. A combination of funding from the 

St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, Maine Department of Transportation, and New Hampshire 

Department of Transportation will contribute a 50.5 percent non-Federal match. This project 

qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
22

Virginia – Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project (Up to $100,000,000) 

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for a new flyover rail 

bridge on the RF&P corridor, as CSX mainline running from Washington, DC to Richmond, VA, 

and a critical East Coast rail connection that connects the Northeast Corridor with the southeast 

USA. The existing volume on the corridor, approximately 50-70 trains per day, consistently 

leads to train interference. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and 

service performance and improving integration with other modes as it will allow intercity and 

commuter passenger trains (Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express) to fluidly cross over two 

CSX Transportation’s mainline freight rail tracks and avoid at-grade conflicts and delays, 

resulting in the improved reliability and efficiency of rail services. The Virginia Passenger Rail 

Authority and Amtrak will provide a 50 percent non-Federal match. 

Washington – Tacoma Rail Battery-Electric Switcher Locomotive Replacement Project 

(Up to $4,095,000) 

Tacoma Rail 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities to replace two (2) highly 

polluting, diesel-electric switcher locomotives with two (2) zero-emission battery-electric 

switcher locomotives, in addition to the installation of corresponding onsite charging 

infrastructure. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and resilience as it will advance freight rail electrification technology in the region, 

as well as reduce toxic diesel emissions and greenhouse gases, which contributes to local and 

regional climate action goals. Tacoma Rail is providing a 34 percent non-Federal match. Other 

Federal funds consist of $3,645,000 from the Federal Highway Administration. 

Washington – Washington State Rural Rail Rehabilitation Phase II Project 

(Up to $72,800,000) 

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for a variety of trackrelated improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and other related infrastructure 

enhancements on the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad (PCC). The project is part of a 

multi-phase effort to improve the PCC, which serves a critical part of the wheat supply chain in 

eastern Washington and aligns with the selection criteria by improving ability to meet existing 

and anticipate demand as it will allow the system to handle modern 286,000-pound railcars, 

increase speeds, and make the system more resilient to climate change-related events, such as 

mitigate the effects of severe storm events resulting in washouts. A combination of funding from 

WSDOT, Washington Eastern Railroad, and 12 other private partners will provide a 35 percent 

non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
23

West Virginia – Supporting Anticipated Freight Growth in Rural West Virginia Project 

(Up to $19,442,500) 

Appalachian and Ohio Railroad, Inc. (A&O) 

The proposed project involves project development, final design, and construction activities to 

rehabilitate multiple tunnels, complete various track-related improvements, and rehabilitate 

locomotives. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and safety as it will help upgrade A&O’s infrastructure to a state of good repair, 

allowing A&O to provide efficient, safe, and reliable freight service, which has a direct 

connection to CSX Transportation. A&O will provide a 45 percent non-Federal match. 

This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

Wisconsin – The Fox River Swing Bridge Improvement and Sustainability Project 

(Up to $2,045,160) 

Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System (FOXY)

The proposed project involves project development activities for the rehabilitation of three 

moveable swing bridges over the Fox River on FOXY’s rail line. Due to factors such as the 

continued deterioration of the bridges and the age (approximately 100 years old), FOXY takes 

the bridges out of service for an undetermined period on a regular basis, leading to delays in rail 

and maritime freight shipments. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving 

ability to meet existing and anticipated demand as it will help FOXY prepare for future 

construction work that will increase load carrying capacity to the industry standard 286,000 

pounds, as well as improve railroad operations and connectivity of maritime transportation. 

FOXY will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match.

Wyoming –Strategic Acquisition of Efficient & Clean Tier 4 Locomotive Project 

(Up to $2,424,000) 

Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad Inc. 

The proposed project involves final design and construction activities for the replacement of one 

(1) Tier 0 locomotive with one (1) Tier 4 Environmental Protection Agency compliant 

locomotive. The project aligns with the selection criteria by improving system and service 

performance and safety as it will contribute to an overall reduction on emissions and greenhouse 

gases in the region while also improving safety. Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad Inc. will 

provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for 

projects in Rural Area 
24

Map of FY 2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety 

Improvement Program Selections

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