by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Mon September 25, 2023
United States President Joe Biden and his administration
awarded more than $1.4 billion to the country’s rail industry to boost capacity
and improve safety.
According to The
Associated Press, the funding from the federal government would make around
70 projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. possible, including track
upgrades, bridge repairs, connectivity among railways and making routes less
vulnerable to extreme weather.
One of the most significant projects funded by President
Biden and his administration is the $178.4 million effort to return passenger
service to parts of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi for the first time since
Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
“This is a significant milestone,
representing years of dedicated efforts to reconnect our communities after the
devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, said. “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.”
Some of the other projects include $72.8 million being
awarded to the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad in Washington state to
upgrade the track and related infrastructure, $29.5 million to Kentucky for 280
miles of track and other infrastructure and $23.7 million to Tennessee for 42
bridge upgrades on 10 different short-line railroads.
Earlier this year, a train crash in Ohio that spilled
hazardous chemicals brought railroad safety to the forefront of Americans’
minds, with President Biden ordering federal agencies to introduce safety
reforms still being held up by Congress.
“These projects will make American rail safer, more
reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of
communities where railroads are located, and strengthening supply chains for
the entire country,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe
to the daily TravelPulse
newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
