WASHINGTON — Six projects with a rail component have received funds under a U.S. Department of Transportation program announced last week. In all, 25 projects in 19 states received a total of $241 million under the Maritime Adminstration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.
The program, in its third year, awarded $492 million for 32 projects in its first two years.
“These investments will support he shift to cleaner transportation, which will create more economic activity and good paying jobs,” Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley said in a press release. “The Port Infrastructure Development Program is an important part of building back better for our ports, our communities, our economy, and our people.”
Small-project grants for Aberdeen, Miss., and Port Bienville, Miss., were previously reported [see “Two Mississippi ports receive federal funds …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 28, 2021]. Other rail-related projects are:
Receiving grants in the Large Projects category were:
Long Beach, Calif.: $52.3 million for the Pier B Rail Enhancement project, which will add a 10,000-foot support track; add three new yard tracks and extend five existing tracks; and build a new support facility for 24 locomotives. The total cost of the project is estimated at $870 million [see “Wait for federal approval delays Long Beach rail project,” News Wire, Sept. 8, 2021].
Tacoma, Wash.: $15.73 million for work to improve 24.5 acres of land to store empty containers and chassis, freeing up dockside space. Refurbishing a grade crossing adjacent to the site is part of the project.
Superior, Wis.: $8.368 million for repairs at a facility at the Port of Superior; rail work is part of the extensive list of improvements.
In addition to the two Mississippi projects, a the Small Projects category, funding went to:
Morehead City, N.C.: $1.68 million for Radio Island rail improvements, which will replace existing tracks with infrastructure meeting FRA Class 1 track standards. The project will include replacement of existing ballast, ties, and turnouts, and replacing crossing surfaces.
