Wisconsin awards more then $25M in freight grants

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has awarded 11 state grants totaling $25,515,123 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin's economy. "Freight rail plays a critical role in Wisconsin's transportation system, moving some 150 million tons of commodities every year," Governor Walker said. "These grants and loans will help retain jobs and spur economic growth in many rural communities while strengthening our economy. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is administering six loan awards totaling $4,922,452 through the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program. A revolving loan program, FRIIP awards are provided to private industries, railroads and local governments to improve rail infrastructure, highway/grade crossings, and to construct new rail-served facilities - with the overall goal to boost economic development and jobs. As FRIIP loans are repaid, the dollars are used to help fund new projects. Five grant awards totaling $20,592,671 are being distributed through the state's Freight Railroad Preservation Program. FRPP grants cover up to 80 percent of the cost of projects designed to preserve rail service or rehabilitate fixed facilities on publicly owned rail lines. Award recipients provide the 20 percent local share. Since the FRIIP program was approved by the state legislature in 1993, WisDOT has provided 99 loans through the program totaling over $100 million. Another $98 million in FRPP grants has been awarded to local governments and railroads since 1993. Twelve freight railroads operate in Wisconsin on a system of over 3,600 route miles of track and handle some 2.5 million rail cars each year.