Stabenow, Peters Announce Nearly $8.7 Million in Federal Funding for Rail Upgrades in Southwest Michigan

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) today announced the West Michigan Railroad Company will receive $8,697,910 million in federal funding to make improvements to about 10 miles of critical railway infrastructure in Van Buren County. These improvements will include repairing bridges, turnouts, and railroad beds, as well as rebuilding 5.6 miles of new track – which will help the West Michigan Railroad Company more efficiently transport critical products – from frozen foods to scrap metal to construction materials. This federal grant comes from the Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program and are a direct result of the Fiscal Year 2021 government funding bill passed into law by Stabenow and Peters.

“Michigan consumers and businesses rely on rail transportation to get products to and from market,” said Senator Stabenow. “These investments will support a faster, more reliable freight rail system and strengthen our supply chain network.”

“Michigan’s railways play a vital role in transporting not only passengers, but also critical goods, products, and freight to businesses and communities across our state and country. This federal investment will allow for needed infrastructure improvements that are important to our way of life and economy,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “That’s why I am pleased to announce this federal funding, which will help bolster safety, improve shipping times, and ensure that freight rail can continue supporting families and businesses in our state for years to come.”

More information on the Department of Transportation Grant program can be found at http://www.dot.gov/grants.

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