The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $12.6 million for Alaska and Kentucky infrastructure projects and will extend University Transportation Center (UTC) grants by one year.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a law to begin the next phase of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, which is designed to create jobs, strengthen the transportation system and support economic growth across Illinois.
No official word from the U.S. Department of Transportation has been released regarding awards of the fourth round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, but news from various congressional offices is revealing what projects will benefit from the latest round of grants. The initial tally indicates rail related projects did not fare as well as they had in past TIGER funding cycles, but several key projects will see federal money.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting applications to receive state funding for freight rail projects in Washington that create family-wage jobs and demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of freight rail.
The Surface Transportation Board said the Michigan Department of Transportation does not need board approval to acquire certain physical assets of a Norfolk Southern rail line in Michigan to enable MDOT’s plans for high-speed passenger rail service over the line.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Fiscal Year 2013 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill by a vote of 28-1. The measure will now be reported to the full Senate for its consideration.
Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (“X” Train) received support from the state of Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for the X Train as the viable short term conventional passenger rail project in the state of Nevada for the zero-five year time frame.
Twelve cities and states will share $16.9 million to relocate, replace and improve segments of railroad track under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Rail Line Relocation and Improvement competitive grant program.
In Pennsylvania, $23 million in state investments will fund 16 freight-rail improvement projects statewide.
The Norfolk Southern Foundation, the charitable giving affiliate of Norfolk Southern Corporation, awarded nearly $6.2 million in grants during 2011 to nonprofit, charitable organizations, an 11 percent increase over 2010.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unveiled the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act. The initiative is a five-year, $260 billion infrastructure bill that reforms transportation programs and promotes increased domestic energy production to create American jobs.
United States Department of Transportation awarded $511 million in TIGER III discretionary grants to 46 capital construction projects in 33 states, of which $279 million of funding will go to rail-related projects.
The Federal Railroad Administration gave more than $177 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation for a passenger rail project that will operate twice daily round-trip service between Chicago and the Quad Cities and put nearly 2,000 Americans back to work this spring.
New York State awarded $785 million for the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, continuing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to redesign the way state government works in order to drive economic growth and create jobs.
Announced in July, Regional Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state’s approach to economic development from a top-down development model to a community-based, performance-driven approach, which empowers individual areas to develop comprehensive strategic plans that invest in regional solutions to create jobs and economic growth. As part of the Regional Council process, a Strategic Plan Review Committee was chosen to analyze and rank the strategic plans for each region competing for $200 million in specially targeted economic development funding.
The plans are the result of months of consideration by the Regional Councils and input from the public in each region. The process included holding more than 100 public meetings, forums and community workshops across the state. Thousands of New Yorkers contributed to the development of the plans through these events.
Consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order issued earlier this year to increase Minority and Women Business Enterprise participation in state contracting, all projects awarded grants through this initiative must use best efforts to reach the goal of 20 percent MWBE participation.
Southern Tier awarded up to $49.4 million
The Southern Tier Regional Council developed a vision for economic growth and job creation that builds upon the region’s strengths. This includes, $1.8 million to the Wellsboro & Corning Railroad Co. for the restoration of mainline railroad track and the reconstruction of a former second main track. This project will help advance necessary improvements in transportation infrastructure, allowing the railroad to continue to provide timely, efficient and environmentally-friendly service to rail commuters in the Southern Tier.
Additionally, $1.5 million will go toward the rehabilitation of the Utica line between Broome and Chenango and Bath & Hammondsport to provide timely and efficient rail service to industries in the Southern Tier.
North Country was named Best Plan Awardee and will receive $103.2 million
The North Country Regional Council Strategic Plan provided a long-term roadmap to attract private investment, promote and facilitate connectivity between communities and create a climate that will allow entrepreneurs to flourish. Funds of $9.9 million will rehabilitate the Newton Falls Rail Project to rehabilitate and reopen the 46-mile Newton Falls Rail Line. This project will restore and enhance the most efficient, environmentally-friendly and reliable form of transportation, at the most cost-effective price, to service the paper mill at Newton Falls and the operations at Benson Mines.
Additionally, $2.5 million will support Bombardier’s expansion of their main plant in Plattsburgh, which will increase their capacity for new contracts. The project includes a 57,000 sq.-ft. increase of the main plant, a 2,100 sq.-ft. expansion at the off-site testing facility and electrification of an additional half mile of railroad track at the test facility.
Capital Regional was awarded $62.7 million
The Capital Region Economic Development Council Strategic Plan presented a vision to collaborate locally and make the region globally competitive and economically vibrant.
Funds of $2.2 million will support the development of a rail transloading facility in Columbia County, which will serve businesses in the Capital Region that do not have rail access. The project will allow businesses to transfer products from trucks to rail cars for outgoing purposes and to move incoming products.
Additionally, $4 million will construct the Ronkonkoma-MacArthur Transit Hub project, providing for a new sewage treatment plant and allowing construction of a new transit-oriented, live-work-play destination in a blighted area. This project will also strengthen ties between Suffolk’s busiest rail station and LI MacArthur Airport.
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $5.5 million in funding for nine rail infrastructure improvement projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program. The rail projects are expected to support the creation of 140 jobs within three years of completion and spur development of a number of industrial areas across the state. The proposed developments will leverage millions in new capital investments across the state.
Following is the list of RRLG Program projects approved by the commission.
• Butler [Logistics Park] cross dock (north of Shell Rock in Butler County) $423,621 loan, $282,000 grant.
• Global Foods [Processing Inc.] rail spur (Sioux City) zero dollars in loan, $72,00 grant.
• Waverly GMT [Corporation] rail spur (Waverly) $185,676 loan, $204,000 grant.
• Burlington Junction Railway spur rehabilitation (Burlington) $157,948 loan, zero in grant.
• Cherokee Industrial Corporation rail spur (Cherokee) $617,454 loan, zero in grant.
• CRANDIC Iowa River crossing improvement Project (Iowa County) $2,000,000 loan, zero in grant.
• Iowa River Railroad Inc. (Marshalltown to Ackley) $1,000,000 loan, zero in grant.
• North Central Iowa Rail Corridor, LLC (Forest City to Belmond) $400,000 loan, zero in grant.
• Valley Distribution Corporation rail spur (West Burlington) $218,652 loan, zero in grant.
Totals are: $5,003,351 in loans, $558,000 in grants.
The RRLG Program provides assistance to rail facilities that create jobs and spur economic development and provides assistance to railroads for the preservation and improvement of the rail transportation system.
Massachusetts state officials and transportation leaders unveiled plans for the revitalization of the "Knowledge Corridor" along the Connecticut River rail line in western Massachusetts. The project, funded by $73 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, will create more than 360 construction jobs in the region.
"The Knowledge Corridor project is a signature investment in Massachusetts, creating hundreds of jobs while making historic improvements in rail access across the Pioneer Valley," said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
On June 30, 2011, MassDOT signed the agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration to proceed with the Knowledge Corridor project to revitalize the existing Connecticut River rail line, which runs from Connecticut through Massachusetts to Vermont. The project will restore Amtrak’s Vermonter train service to the line, providing a more direct route, faster service and restored access to the cities of Greenfield and Northampton. Revitalization of the Knowledge Corridor route will restore the original route of the Vermonter traveling between St. Albans, Vermont and Washington, DC. The project is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed in approximately two years.
"Thanks to the support of our state and federal partners, work is now underway on this critical rail project, delivering much-needed improvements to passenger rail service, while providing new transportation options and economic opportunities for the region," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo.
The improvements to the Knowledge Corridor will occur on the Connecticut River mainline of the Pan Am Southern railroad, a joint venture between Pan Am Railways and Norfolk Southern to improve freight service for customers along the line and within western Massachusetts. MassDOT has designated the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Design and Construction Department to oversee the implementation of the project through final design and construction and entered into a Construction Agreement with Pan Am Southern, LLC, to construct the project.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $82.7 million to improve high-speed and intercity passenger rail in Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. The dollars will provide needed upgrades to the Northeast Corridor, Connecticut’s New Haven – Springfield line, Maine’s Downeaster route and the Vermonter service.
"These are the kinds of investments that will improve reliability and on-time performance and attract more passengers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are creating jobs throughout New England, building our rails with American-made materials and growing the New England economy."
A highlight of the rail dollars includes:
Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$26.2 million for the design and construction of an electrified third track parallel to the Northeast Corridor’s mainline and a new platform for the station in Kingston, RI. The third track will permit faster trains to overtake slower trains, reducing congestion and improving on-time performance on the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and commuter trains. Throughout the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston, $1.75 billion is being invested to improve service.
Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$3 million for preliminary engineering and environmental reviews for American with Disabilities Act compliant platforms at the Providence station on the Northeast Corridor. The project also includes improved parking and pedestrian access, station repairs, potential reconfiguration of transit circulation and drop-off facilities and future tunnel improvements.
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA)
$20.8 million to alleviate congestion and reduce delays on segments of Amtrak’s Downeaster service. The project will provide critically needed double track, as well as signal and highway-rail grade crossing improvements between Wilmington and Ballardville, Mass. Aging rail will be replaced with new, continuously-welded rail between Lawrence and Bradford, Mass. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates commuter trains on this line and on-time performance for the Downeaster has deteriorated due to bottlenecks within this area. Currently, the Downeaster operates from Boston to Portland, Maine and is expanding to Brunswick, Maine thanks to previous, federal grants totaling $38 million.
Connecticut Department of Transportation
$30 million for six miles of new double-tracks from Hartford to Windsor, Conn., which will connect with an existing siding to create a nine-mile double-tracks segment on Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield line. In addition, a new 8,500-foot siding will be added through the Hartford Yard to better clear freight trains off Amtrak’s mainline. Together, this added capacity will substantially relieve existing congestion in the Hartford area and will support future increases in rail service. The project also includes repairs and maintenance to bridges, signal improvements and grade-crossing improvements. Connecticut previously received $40 million for double track work between New Haven and Hartford to reduce delays and improve travel time.
Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)
$2.7 million for a 16-mile extension of improved signal and train control technology to enhance the safety and operation of the Amtrak Vermonter service. Additionally, upgrades to the dispatch communication system will be made to enhance its reliability. VTrans previously received $50 million for improvements to the 190 miles of track between St. Albans and Vernon, Vt., servicing the Vermonter. The collective improvements will result in increased speeds, reduced travel time and greater reliability.
The United States Federal Railroad Administration will give eight cities and states a shared $19.4 million to replace, relocate and improve segments of railroad track in order to enhance safety, livability and economic development. The FRA received 51 applications from across the country for the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement grants, seeking more than $202 million.
"The strong desire to improve infrastructure and foster economic development throughout America is evident in the overwhelming demand by our nation’s cities and states," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "These strategic investments will help advance President Obama’s vision to create jobs, build livable communities, and stimulate economic growth through local projects that deliver the greatest public benefits."
FRA’s RLR Grant Program assists projects that improve community livability and promote economic development by addressing the effects of rail traffic on safety, roadway and pedestrian traffic, overall quality of life and local area commerce. Funding for these grants is made available through annual appropriations and requires a 10 percent contribution from the project sponsor. Rail line relocation dollars announced will fund the following projects:
Port of San Francisco, California – Quint Street Yard Track and Signal Improvements – $2,970,000 to improve an approximately one mile-long spur connecting a Caltrain mainline track to the San Francisco Rail Yard. The mainline is under consideration for use as part of the California high-speed rail project and the current condition of the spur track limits the frequency, weight and length of trains that can use the track, causing delays. The improvements will allow freight trains to operate at higher speeds and clear the mainline more quickly.
Sprague, Connecticut – Providence & Worcester Railroad Willimantic Branch – $5,302,900 to upgrade track on the Providence and Worcester Railroad Company’s Willimantic Branch, allowing freight operations to increase speed from 10 mph to 40 mph. Improvements will provide for more efficient movement of freight shipments originating from or destined to customers across the nation or overseas.
Maryland Department of Transportation- Canton Area Rail Improvement Project – $1,742,240 for the expansion of a Canton Railroad Company yard facility. Current switching operations often cause major motor vehicle traffic delays, requiring traffic to be rerouted around the yard. The improvements will permit more efficient switching operations and create additional car storage, which will help reduce traffic congestion.
Tavares, Florida – Florida Central Railroad Upgrade and Rehabilitation – $2,200,000 to upgrade a segment of track on the Florida Central Railroad in Lake and Orange counties, allowing increases in speed from 10 mph to 40 mph. Coupled with additional track and bridge repairs, freight service can be restored to areas currently not served by rail. The improvements may also benefit potential future SunRail commuter service and an excursion train service between Orlando and the City of Mt. Dora.
Minnesota Department of Transportation – K-Line Rail Improvement Project – $1,469,556 to improve and extend a municipally-owned rail spur. Extending the track will enable a local shipper, whose current location forces it to route traffic close to a high school, to relocate its operations to the industrial park.
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department – Arkansas Midland Railroad/Warren Branch – $2,721,435 to rehabilitate and improve 40 miles of track along the Warren Branch of the Arkansas Midland Railroad, a shortline railroad located in the Arkansas Delta. The planned improvements will remedy poor track conditions caused by inadequate drainage and heavy freight loads, which have contributed to washouts, broken rails, derailments and slow orders that reduce train speeds.
Springfield, Missouri – West Wye Connection Track – $1,898,444 to relocate an existing "Wye" track that runs through the center of Springfield to the western side of the city. The project will enable the permanent removal of 23 highway-rail grade crossings, increasing roadway safety in the area while improving railroad operational performance.
Alaska Railroad – Milepost 142 Curve Alignment – $1,141,840 to reduce the curvature of the Alaska Railroad mainline adjacent to the Native Village of Eklutna. The realignment and improvements will increase track speeds, reduce noise and improve operating safety and efficiency. A new access road will also allow vehicles to access trains for inspection and car repair and provide Eklutna, Inc., tribal members access to their property.
In September, as part of the Rail Line Relocation Grant Program, FRA will issue a Notice of Funding Availability for more than $11.5 million (made available through annual appropriations), with applications due 30 days later.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded three grants to Caltrans, totaling $55 million, to reduce congestion and increase safety on the Pacific Surfliner intercity rail corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego, Calif.
"More Californians are choosing trains for travel and Caltrans is committed to ensuring a safe ride for all our passengers," said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.
The final segment of a third rail track between Los Angeles and Fullerton will be funded by $38 million. The Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink and freight trains currently share two rail tracks, which can create congestion and delays. $3.4 million will fund new track construction at the Oceanside station to move Metrolink commuter trains off the mainline.
$13.5 million will fund Positive Train Control, which will increase railroad safety by monitoring and controlling trains to prevent collisions and derailments.
In a partnering effort, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which operates Metrolink, will install the PTC system on tracks between San Onofre and Moorpark, where Metrolink shares the line with the Pacific Surfliner. The state will match the federal funds for the PTC dollar-for-dollar with 2009 Proposition 1A rail bond funds, increasing the project’s funding to $27 million.
"Metrolink is grateful to the leaders, who demonstrated their commitment to rail safety by allocating these funds. Our program is now fully funded, and Metrolink is well on our way to being the first commuter rail agency in the nation to implement Positive Train Control," said Metrolink Chairman Richard Katz.
"Enhancing our commuter rail service is a critical component in ensuring Southern California’s transportation network can carry us successfully into the future," said Will Kempton, CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority. "We are thankful for the strong partnership we have forged with the federal government and appreciate the continued support of our ongoing efforts to improve safety and mobility in the region."
