More than $1.4 billion has been allocated by the Biden administration to projects that increase railway capacity and safety, with most of the funding coming from the 2021 infrastructure legislation.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a statement that the projects will "make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient," benefiting dozens of towns where railways are situated and boosting supply linkages for the whole nation.
Railroad Safety
There are 70 projects receiving financing in 35 states and Washington, D.C. After a train carrying toxic materials derailed and caught fire in February in East Palestine, Ohio, railroad safety has risen to the forefront of the public's mind throughout the country.
The tragedy has been blamed on Norfolk Southern, the train's operator, and President Joe Biden has urged government authorities to investigate the incident. However, a package of planned rail safety measures has been stuck in the Senate without a vote.
The White House has also warned that a government shutdown brought on by House Republicans would threaten train safety.
Improvements to track infrastructure and bridge maintenance will help make train lines more accessible to one another and less susceptible to natural disasters.
Track and Bridge Improvements
According to AP News, passenger service along the Gulf of Mexico in areas of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will be restored for the first time since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, thanks in part to a $178.4 million investment in various reconstruction projects.
Senator Roger Wicker said in a statement, "This is a significant milestone, representing years of dedicated efforts to reconnect our communities after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Restoring passenger rail service will create jobs, improve quality of life, and offer a convenient travel option for tourists, contributing to our region's economic growth and vitality."
After Amtrak and the freight railways CSX and Norfolk Southern agreed last year to allow passenger trains to resume running on the rails owned by the freight railroads, this award should make it feasible to restore passenger service to the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Katrina shut down Gulf Coast passenger trains. Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews said the last 17 years have been challenging but rewarding, with local activists working towards improving Gulf Coast connectivity.
The Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad in Washington state will get $72.8 million as part of one of the largest other awards. This money will be used to update the track and associated infrastructure so the railroad can carry contemporary railcars weighing 286,000 pounds.
A project in the state of Kentucky will be awarded $29.5 million in order to make upgrades to 280 miles of track in addition to other infrastructure along the Paducah and Louisville Railway.
A total of 42 bridges on ten separate short-line railways in Tennessee will also get funding totaling $23.7 million.
