Rep. Blum tours HiRAIL Corp.
More than 20 Class 1 and shortline railroad representatives, local officials and other industry stakeholders joined HiRAIL Corporation Aug. 18 for a tour of its facility and discussion with Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA).
Shortline/Regional
RailWorks Track Systems, GoRail, NRC host Rep. Babin
Infrastructure and policy affecting the rail industry were discussed at an event hosted by RailWorks Track Systems at its Deer Park, Texas facility on Aug. 18 with Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX).
FRA awards $25 million for PTC implementation
Eleven projects across six states and the District of Columbia will receive grants from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to assist in the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
Genesee & Wyoming to acquire Providence and Worcester for $126 million
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) announced Aug. 15 that the company plans to acquire Providence and Worcester Railroad Company (P&W) for $126 million at $25.00 per share.
LIRC, CSX prepare for longer, faster trains
CSX Transportation (CSX) and the Louisville and Indiana Railroad (LIRC) have announced that train traffic on LIRC between Louisville, Ky., and Seymour, Ind., is set to increase within the next few weeks.
Pennsylvania to allocate $61.9 billion to statewide transportation improvements
Pennsylvania’s State Transportation Commission (STC) has announced updates to the state’s 12-Year Transportation program, effective Oct. 1.
Newly-appointed VP to lead safety efforts at Patriot Rail
Patriot Rail Company yesterday appointed Matthew Reddell as vice president and chief safety officer. Reddell joined the company in January 2015 as vice president and chief mechanical officer.
Central Texas & Colorado River begins operations
A new rail operation looks to convince potential customers it still brings heart to Texas railroading.
FRA issues final rule on identifying passenger railroad safety hazards
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a final rule on System Safety Programs (SSP).
PennDOT opens application process for freight grant program
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways opened the application period for the 2016 Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the 2016 Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive more than $135 million
Twelve rail projects totaling $135.3 million have been awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive $80.7 million
Elected officials have begun releasing information about projects awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
Feinberg calls for greater action to enhance crossing safety
Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg is calling for additional action to remedy a “solvable problem” by preventing fatalities at grade crossings.
Watco Transloading to operate Norfolk Southern TBT Terminal in Ohio
Watco Transloading, LLC, reached a definitive licensed agreement with Norfolk Southern to operate the Class 1’s Sandusky, Ohio, Thoroughbred Bulk Terminal (TBT Terminal).
HDR names Hjelholt director of freight rail
Bill Hjelholt joined HDR as director of freight rail. His responsibilities include developing HDR’s vision and initiatives for continued growth and expansion of the freight rail sector across North America and globally.
Shortline tax credit gains 2,000th co-sponsor since 2004
The Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation Act, also referred to as 45G, reached a significant milestone this week when it gained its 2,000th co-sponsor since its first introduction in 2004.
AKMD to offer first ethanol unit train solution
Beginning this fall, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s Arkansas Midland Railroad Company, Inc., (AKMD) subsidiary will offer the first ethanol unit train solution for the North Little Rock and surrounding gasoline-blending markets, serving the JP Energy terminal, which is the largest terminal at North Little Rock’s tank farm complex.
USDOT creates Build America Bureau
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has established the Build America Bureau, which will drive transportation infrastructure development projects in the United States by streamlining credit and grant opportunities while providing technical assistance and encouraging innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery and monitoring.
OmniTRAX affiliate partners with Topflight Grain Cooperative to operate Decatur Central Railroad
A managed affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., and an affiliate of The Broe Group and Topflight Grain Cooperative, Inc., are entering into a joint venture to operate, drive business to and rehabilitate the rail line currently owned by Topflight Grain. OmniTRAX will manage the newly renamed Decatur Central Railroad, LLC, which links Cisco and Decatur, Ill., commencing in late 2016.
Minnesota establishes council on freight rail
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order, establishing the Governor’s Council on Freight Rail, which will bring together state officials and railroads in a public-private working group to improve communication and enhance safety and economic development in communities.