Grants totaling $19 million awarded to 12 freight rail projects across the state will leverage
approximately $48 million in other investment in the rail system
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced the first round of recipients for the new 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program (M-REP) that will invest $19 million towards freight rail projects across Michigan. The twelve projects that were competitively selected, make strategic investments in freight rail corridors and facilities to improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity, and condition.
“With approximately 3,600 miles of rail corridors in Michigan operated by 29 freight railroads, freight rail keeps our diverse economy rolling,” said Governor Whitmer. “From farmers depending on rail to haul their crops to market to auto manufacturers shipping finished products across North America, rail creates jobs and serves communities across our state. The 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant will invest $19 million across Michigan, ensure our rail system is safe, efficient, and meets Michigan’s economic and transportation needs. Let’s continue working together to keep Michigan’s rail economy on track.”
M-REP grants reimburse up to 70 percent of project costs associated with railroad track, bridges, grade crossings, rail scales to weigh freight cars on mainline corridors and at rail yards, intermodal facilities, and transload facilities. Movable equipment or freight rail rolling stock may be considered if plans are submitted that provide adequate controls for Michigan-specific use.
In 2022, funds were dedicated for rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects. The grants will leverage approximately $48 million in other investment in the rail system.
Michigan Southern Railroad in St. Joseph County will receive $507,700 for tie replacement and track surfacing for a project total of $1,015,400. Hamilton Northwestern Railway Co. in Allegan County will receive $1,597,925 for Transload facility and tie replacement.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.