Port, grade separation projects receive FASTLANE grants

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Georgia Ports Authority/Stephen B. Morton

Several intermodal projects, as well as two grade separation projects will benefit from Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants.

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) received 212 applications requesting a total of $9.8 billion, but was only authorized $800 million for the program.

Port and intermodal projects with rail elements that will receive the grants include:

  • $44 million to the Georgia Ports Authority for the Port of Savannah International Multimodal Connector: The $126.7-million project will increase rail capacity and velocity at the Garden City Container Terminal.
  • $25,65 million to the Iowa Department of Transportation for the Cedar Rapids Logistics Park: The $46.5 million project calls for the construction of a full service intermodal facility.
  • $10.67 million to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) for the Cross Harbor Freight Program (Rail): The grant will be applied toward a $17.8-million project to reduce highway truck traffic by improving PANYNJ’s railcar float system. The project calls for improvements to the 65th Street Yard that will increase capacity and the construction of a double track portion of the Port Jersey Division of the New York New Jersey Rail.
  • $7.71 million to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Maine Intermodal Port Productivity Project: The $15.4 million project will provide infrastructure improvements, equipment and technology investments for the Port of Portland.

In addition to the port projects, two grade separation projects in Washington state will see funds. The city of Seattle will receive a $45 million grant for the South Lander Street Grade Separation and Railroad Safety Project and the city of Tukwila will received $5 million for the Strander Boulevard Extension and Grade Separation Phase 3.

Previously, RT&S reported that Virginia’s Atlantic Gateway Project will benefit from a $165-million grant that will help add capacity to Long Bridge and build 14 miles of new track and Coos Bay Rail Link will receive an $11-million grant for a tunnel rehabilitation project.

Grant recipients have been notified of the awards, but USDOT will not issue the awards until a 60-day review period has been reached.

RT&S wishes to acknowledge the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, which contributed information to this report.

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