Short lines to benefit from round of federal grants
A bundle of Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) awards have been announced to help short line companies maintain their lines.
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Short lines outline economic impacts, environmental benefits, and growth strategies at congressional hearing
[Yesterday], Caren Kraska, president and chairman of the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad (A&M), and a member of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), testified on behalf of the nation’s 600 Class II and III railroads.
Measure would help infrastructure loan program for short lines, passenger rail
Legislation has been introduced that could help short line railroad companies and passenger lines with their infrastructure projects. The Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate that
FRA asked by short lines to exempt them from random alcohol and drug tests due to coronavirus
The Fort Worth & Western Railroad, the Texas Northeastern Railway, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad have requested that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) waive certain
More mergers & acquisitions likely on the way for short lines
Freightwaves is reporting that 2020 will likely see more mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the short line rail industry, as private equity firms become more aware of the value of rail infrastructure.
R. J. Corman finalizes acquisition of two shortlines, commuter-rail service
R. J. Corman Railroad Company has finalized an agreement to acquire the Nashville & Eastern Railroad Corp. (NERR), Nashville & Western Railroad Corp. (NWR), Transit Solutions Group, a commuter rail operation and
Report finds shortlines add $6.5 billion in value to U.S. economy
A report detailing the economic impact of the shortline industry found shortline railroads provide $6.5 billion in added value to the U.S. economy. The report also determined the positive impact the Short
Capitol Hill this week: Shortlines discuss value and needs
The infrastructure needs and value brought by the shortline railroads in the United States were the topic of testimony given at two Congressional hearings this week.
ASLRRA marks fatality-free year for shortlines
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association marked a significant safety achievement as the industry’s 603 short line railroads operated for a full year fatality-free.
GWI adds Heart of Georgia to its family of shortlines
The 219-mile Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG), Inc., will be under new ownership in the second quarter of 2017, following approval by the Surface Transportation Board.
Watco acquires two west Texas shortlines from Iowa Pacific Holdings
Watco Companies purchased two west Texas shortlines from Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, May 18, 2015. Watco Transportation Services (WTS) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Texas and New Mexico Railway and the West Texas Lubbock and Western Railway.
GWI acquires Arkansas shortlines
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) late Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 announced it “has signed an agreement with Pinsly Railroad Company of Westfield, Mass., to acquire certain subsidiaries that constitute Pinsly’s Arkansas Division (‘Pinsly Arkansas’) for $40 million in cash, subject to adjustment for final working capital.”
Report outlines short-term fixes to better Walk Bridge
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) released a report outlining recommendations for short-term fixes to improve the reliability of the New Haven Line’s Walk Railroad Bridge in Norwalk, Conn.
Sens. Murray and Collins push for increased safety resources for shortlines
U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), chair and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, respectively, urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to increase safety resources for shortline railroads, which make up one third of the nation’s rail network, but lack the funding and support that larger, Class 1 railroads receive.
Extenders bill passes out of Senate Finance Committee, includes 45G for shortlines
The Senate Finance Committee passed legislation, Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act, on April 3 renewing a set of provisions known as “tax extenders.”
NCDOT seeks applicants for grants to improve shortlines
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is accepting applications through January 18, 2014, for recipients of $2.5 million to $3 million available in state grants through the Shortline Industrial Access Program (SIAP).
Watco names GMs to two shortlines
Watco Transportation Services named Jimmy Patterson general manager for the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KO). The former manager, Brad Hayes, will be managing the company’s Tampa, Colo., terminal location.
Watco names new GM to two shortlines
Watco Transportation Services has appointed Jeffrey Buck to general manager for the Mississippi Southern and Vicksburg Southern railroads. Buck will be responsible for the daily operations of both railroads; specifically focusing on improving safety, productivity, efficiency and developing team members.
Eleven Saskatchewan shortlines receive CA$700,000 in grants
The Saskatchewan Government dished out CA$700,000 (US$699,140) in grants for 11 shortline railways through the Shortline Railway Sustainability Program.
NCDOT awards $2 million to nine shortlines for maintenance
The North Carolina Board of Transportation has awarded nearly $2 million in state funds to nine small freight railroads through the Short Line Infrastructure Assistance Program. The grants will be used to help with track and bridge maintenance and other improvements.
"These grants will retain jobs and support economic development in rural areas," Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said. "At the same time, the grants will help modernize the state’s rail system and bring about improved capacity, reliability and safety."
SIAP’s focus is to help shortlines maintain and improve their tracks and better serve industries in primarily rural areas. The money will be used to assist nine railroads that will directly benefit 20 counties serving 62 companies. The money is a part of a public-private partnership, with at least 50 percent coming from the shortline railroad companies.
"Shortline railroads connect our shippers with the national rail network," said Andrew Perkins, chair of the Board of Transportation’s Rail Subcommittee. "They ensure that our industries can receive raw materials and ship products across the country."
State SIAP funds are appropriated by the N.C. General Assembly on a year-by-year basis. These grant funds are not automatically recurring.