ICC Approves Annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program; Greenlights Automatic Warning Device Projects

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced March 24 that it has approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2024-2028) to implement highway-rail safety projects at local roads across the state. More than $476 million dollars from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) will help communities and railroads pay for improvements at 424 crossing locations.

FTA: $212.3MM Available for Emergency Relief Funding

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced March 27 that $212,301,048 in grants are available to apply for under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (Emergency Relief Program) for states, territories, local government authorities, Indian tribes, and other FTA recipients affected by major declared disasters in calendar years 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

South Dakota Approves $6M for Sisseton-Milbank Rail Line

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 16 into law last week, authorizing $6.25 million in state funds for the restoration of a railroad line from Milbank to Sisseton. The appropriation is conditional upon receiving federal grant funds for rail line rehabilitation.

Port Authority Shortlists Three APM Firms to Replace AirTrain Newark

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced March 23 that it has chosen three automated-people-mover system technology firms to move forward to the next step of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.

BART Ridership Forecast Could Redefine South Bay Transit

One of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, carrying Bay Area Rapid Transit trains through downtown San Jose, is taking shape. Nevertheless, the number of passengers who will use the extension—and its future as a key component for regional transport—is becoming increasingly uncertain.

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

Watco’s Stefan Loeb Moving to Norfolk Southern, Matt Walsh Named ASLRRA Board Chairman

WASHINGTON –The American and Short Line Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) today announced the progression of Matt Walsh, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Development, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc., to fill the ASLRRA Board Chairman position vacated by Watco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb, who has accepted a position at Norfolk Southern Railway.  Walsh currently holds the position of Vice Chairman for the ASLRRA.

Racine Railroad Products Announces Dominic DaPra Will Assume Leadership Role

Mt. Pleasant, Wis.–Racine Railroad Products President Steve Birkholz retired March 7, 2023 following more than 29 years of service to the company, serving as the President for more than 28 years. Dominic DaPra, previously Vice President at Generac Power Systems, succeed Birkholz as President. DaPra started with Racine Railroad on Dec. 5, 2022, to allow for an extended transition period.