NEWS - MDOT announces 2024 Michigan Rail Enhancement Program grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 FrezellM@Michigan.gov

MDOT announces 2024
Michigan Rail Enhancement Program grants

 

Fast facts:
-  Michigan Rail Enhancement Grants were awarded to 10 freight rail projects across the state, totaling $16 million.
- The grants make investments in freight rail corridors and facilities to improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity, and condition.
- In 2024, funds were dedicated for rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects.
- The grants will leverage approximately $11 million in private investment in the rail system.

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the recipients for the 2024 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program (M-REP) that will invest $16 million toward freight rail projects across Michigan. The 10 projects that were competitively selected make strategic investments in freight rail corridors and facilities to improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity, and condition.

"Michigan's freight rail system has always been a vital asset in keeping our economy moving by transporting everything, like agricultural products, finished automobiles, consumer goods, building materials, and much more," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. "These grants will assist railroads in making crucial infrastructure investments that will help provide for safe and efficient transportation." 

M-REP grants reimburse up to 70 percent of project costs associated with railroad track, bridges, grade crossings, rail scales to weigh freight cars on mainline corridors and at rail yards, intermodal facilities, 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. 

"We truly appreciate the MDOT Office of Rail's commitment to the Adrian and Blissfied Railroad (A&B)," said Chris Bagwell, A&B president. "The M-REP funding allows for continued enhancement of our track infrastructure, as well as driving economic value for Michigan businesses who ship bulk commodities on our lines. Outside of our existing freight business, the increased capacity realized through these projects make it more enticing for potential outside entities to locate in Michigan, driving business growth in our home state. When evaluating private and public partnerships, MDOT has set the standard on what that can look like. We are not only grateful for MDOT's support of A&B, but also grateful for their support of the Michigan rail network as a whole." 

Funds were dedicated for rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects. The grants will leverage approximately $11 million in private investment in the rail system. 

M-REP Fiscal Year 2024 Projects
Applicant	Location	Project Description	M-REP Grant	Project Total
Adrian and Blissfield Railroad Co.	Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee counties	Rail, tie, ballast replacement, track surfacing, and yard improvements	$3,895,208	$7,082,197
Coopersville and Marne Railway	Walker	Indian Mill Creek Bridge repairs	$101,750	$185,000
Delray Connecting Railroad	River Rouge	Zug Island "Shortcut Bridge" Rehabilitation	$2,308,625	$4,617,250
Grand Elk Railroad Inc.	Luce County	Tie and ballast replacement and bridge repairs	$2,230,693	$3,186,704
Great Lakes Central Railroad Inc.	Owosso	San Yard tie and ballast replacement	$1,340,201	$2,061,848
Lake State Railway Co.	Flint	Flint Coldwater Yard Improvements	$599,662	$922,557
Lake State Railway Co.	Bay, Arenac counties	Rail, tie, ballast replacement, and track surfacing	$1,156,376	$1,779,039
Lake State Railway Co.	Wixom	Establishment of new transload facility	$761,925	$1,088,465
Lake State Railway Co.	Iosco County	Rail, tie, ballast replacement and track surfacing	$2,482,037	$4,659,305
Mid-Michigan Railroad Co. (Michigan Shore Railroad)	Ferrysburg	Grand River Swing Span Rehabilitation	$800,000	$1,470,000

 

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