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.

Gateway projects take step toward qualifying for major funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has moved the Hudson Tunnel Project and Portal North Bridge – both critical elements of the Gateway Program in the New York City area – into the Project Development process for a New Starts Grant available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Port, grade separation projects receive FASTLANE grants

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.

Coos Bay Rail Link receives grant to rehab tunnels

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded the Coos Bay Rail Line $11 million to rehabilitate nine crumbling tunnels along the critical rail link between Eugene and Coquille, Ore.

Meridian Speedway to receive tie, crossing and rail work

Meridian Speedway, LLC (MSLLC), a joint venture between Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Norfolk Southern (NS) for a 320-mile rail line between Meridian, Miss. and Shreveport, La., will invest approximately $28 million in 2016 on construction and improvement projects on its Vicksburg and Meridian Subdivisions.

Union Pacific plans $2.1 million investment in Wisconsin

Union Pacific plans to invest $2.1 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructure in Wisconsin, enhancing employee, community and customer safety and increasing rail operating efficiency.

Union Pacific plans $25.8M investment in Washington state, New Mexico

Union Pacific plans to invest $25.8 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructures in Washington state and New Mexico, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

SEPTA ramps up Crum Creek Viaduct work

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will halt train service between Elwyn and Swarthmore Stations on the Media/Elwyn Line June 18-19 as work on the Crum Creek Viaduct project intensifies.

CH2M rehabilitating TRE timber trestle

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) awarded an engineering services contract to CH2M for the rehabilitation of the timber pile trestle span Trinity Railway Express (TRE) bridge over Inwood Road.

Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.

WSDOT opens availability for loans, grants for freight rail improvement projects

Applications are now being accepted for Washington state-funded grants and loans for projects that improve freight rail services. Funds will be available in July 2017.

New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track

New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.

Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.

Union Pacific Nevada program includes rail, tie replacements

Union Pacific plans to spend $33.7 million on improvements to its Nevada infrastructure in 2016. This year’s investment is on top of the $180 million UP spent in the state from 2011-2015.

Sound Transit breaks ground on Tacoma bridge replacement

Sound Transit broke ground on its Tacoma Trestle Track & Signal Project, which will replace an aging single-track timber railroad trestle with a concrete, double-track bridge.

Reading & Northern plans bridge replacement

The construction of a modern railway bridge across the Lehigh River to create a connection between two divisions of Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad is closer to fruition as a second $5 million grant has been awarded by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission.

Metro-North, ConnDOT sign Walk Bridge “Partnering Letter”

Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) have signed a “partnering letter” agreeing to a strong, collaborative effort as plans are finalized to replace the Walk railroad bridge – the 120-year-old bridge over the Norwalk River that swings open and closed to accommodate marine traffic below.

SEPTA Board approves FY 2017 operating and capital budgets

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has approved Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2017, which is the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2016.

CTC pulls, delays more than $175 million in rail project funds

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) adopted a five-year state transportation funding plan that cuts $754 million and delays another $755 million in highway, rail, transit, bicycle and pedestrian project spending on May 18.

Union Pacific plans track, bridge upgrades in Louisiana

Union Pacific plans to invest $58 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Louisiana. The multi-million dollar investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

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