As part of a federal infrastructure investment program, Nebraska will receive $15.22 million to bolster railway operations across the state.
Announced Monday morning by the The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), ahead of a visit to Grand Island by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will aim to improve rail safety and address the infrastructure needs of freight railroads, strengthening supply chains in the state.
Within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program will invest more than $1.4 billion into 70 rail improvement projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C.
Nebraska’s very own Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project will be granted up to $15,224,354.
These investments will finalize designs and construction activities for track-related improvements, upgrade grade crossings, and expand the railcar repair facility. These activities will help modernize the Cornhusker Railroad and allow for safer and more efficient operations, such as improving the short line’s interchanging of trains with two Class I railroads. Cathcart Rail, LLC will provide a 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.
On top of rail safety and supply chain support, CRISI investments are also helping to expand world-class passenger rail to more communities nationwide.
Further information about the FRA’s CRISI Program is available here.