MDOT: $19MM in 2023 M-REP Grants

Genesee & Wyoming’s Grand Rapids & Eastern has received $2.5 million in M-REP funding for infrastructure improvements. G&W photo

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded the first round of funding in its 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program (M-REP). Twelve projects were selected to receive $19 million for “strategic investments in freight rail corridors and facilities to improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity and condition.”

M-REP grants reimburse up to 70% of project costs associated with railroad track, bridges, grade crossings, rail scales to weigh freight cars on main line corridors and at rail yards, and intermodal and transload facilities. Movable equipment or freight rail rolling stock may be considered if plans are submitted that provide “adequate controls for Michigan-specific use,” MDOT said.

In 2022, MDOT dedicated funds to rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects. The M-REP grants, the agency noted, “will leverage approximately $48 million in other investment in the rail system.”

“We are excited to participate in the first round of the Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program awards, said Lake State Railway Co. President and CEO John Rickoff. “Lake State Railway (Railway Age’s 2021 Regional of the Year and 2018 Short Line of the Year) looks forward to working with MDOT to complete our projects.” 

“We are honored to be selected to partner with MDOT as they work to improve, expand, and rehabilitate freight rail corridors throughout Michigan, said Mike Hnatiuk, Director of Marketing for the West Michigan Railroad Co. and the Hamilton Northwestern Railroad Co. “Once completed, these projects will deliver an immediate benefit to local communities and the region. These infrastructure enhancement projects will significantly minimize the amount of time railroad crossings are blocked, as well as provide public access for companies to utilize rail, who currently do not have access to freight rail services. The new public access site is expected to take as many as 8,000-10,000 long haul trucks off Michigan roads each year, which will reduce congestion and road deterioration on Michigan highways, as well as eliminate unnecessary truck CO2 emissions. The Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program is a perfect example of public private partnerships that deliver true lasting benefits to Michigan communities.” 

“With approximately 3,600 miles of rail corridors in Michigan operated by 29 freight railroads, freight rail keeps our diverse economy rolling,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “From farmers depending on rail to haul their crops to market to auto manufacturers shipping finished products across North America, rail creates jobs and serves communities across our state. The 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant will invest $19 million across Michigan, ensure our rail system is safe, efficient, and meets Michigan’s economic and transportation needs. Let’s continue working together to keep Michigan’s rail economy on track.”