Laramie, Wyo. to begin trans-modal rail project this spring

The Laramie Economic Development Corp. is currently on track for developing its proposed South Laramie Trans-Modal rail site project this spring, reports the Wyoming Business Report. The project will allow Laramie and Albany County businesses to access Union Pacific track and will be constructed south of the old UP tie plant. The LEDC received the State Lands and Investment Board's unanimous approval on January 20, for an $805,050 Wyoming Business Council Business Ready Community Grant. It will use the grant for new rail spur infrastructure, including ties, road base and design and construction costs. On January 21, the Wyoming Department of Transportation approved a WYDOT and Albany County Industrial Road Program Grant for $500,000 for the project. Once the of LEDC's lease agreement is finalized with UP the city of Laramie and Albany County each stand ready to loan LEDC $100,000 each from their respective economic development recapture funds. LEDC hopes to call for proposal requests in early February and plans to begin construction 60-90 days after a contractor has been hired.