$3.2M Awarded for Rail Improvements in Missouri
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of U.S. EDA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Commerce's EDA awarded $3.2 million grant to Columbia, Missouri for rail infrastructure improvements.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the city with the grant to improve the commercial freight rail corridor in the region, thereby improving commercial activity. The federal grant is matched by $800,000 in local funds. Additionally, the investment is expected to generate 25 jobs and $23 million in private investment. The project comes from the efforts of the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (Mid-MO RPC). According to the release from the EDA, the EDA funds Mid-MO RPC to bring public and private sectors together in the name of economic development in the area.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raymond said, “The Biden-Harris Administration is investing in the infrastructure needed for economic growth in Missouri and across the country. . . This EDA investment will provide the infrastructure to expand and improve commercial freight opportunities, helping connect the local businesses to national and global markets and growing the regional economy.”
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth said, “The U.S. Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to ensure place-based economic growth. . . This project will expand and improve the rail corridor to allow for heavier, more cost-effective freight loads, creating jobs and spurring private investment the region.”
