Mid-Michigan to Benefit from $27 Million Federal Rail Infrastructure Grant

Congressman Dan Kildee secures substantial funding aimed at enhancing mid-Michigan railroads, boosting local industry and improving safety.

Kildee Champions Major Federal Investment for Railroad Upgrades

FLINT—Mid-Michigan’s rail infrastructure is set for a significant overhaul thanks to a newly announced $27,130,810 federal grant aimed at improving the region’s transportation network. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) confirmed that funding provided by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will enable Lake State Railway Company (LSRC) to install 52 miles of continuous welded rail stretching from Pinconning to Alpena. This project is part of an extensive push to enhance safety and efficiency across Michigan’s freight routes and is funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Kildee helped pass.

The grant is a substantial win for mid-Michigan, poised to create jobs and expedite the movement of locally manufactured goods. “By upgrading and installing new rail infrastructure, we can create good-paying jobs, move Michigan-made goods more quickly, and help local businesses succeed,” said Congressman Kildee, underscoring the economic benefits of the initiative.

Lake State Railway’s Commitment to Progress

The LSRC’s Executive Vice President and CFO, Kevin Mitrzyk, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing bipartisan support for rail advancements. “We especially value the support of our customers, which has grown exponentially throughout the years,” Mitrzyk said. He credited both Congressman Kildee and District 1 Congressman Jack Bergman for their roles in securing the grant.

Reflecting on the railway’s history, LSRC President and CEO Mike Stickel highlighted the progress achieved since the line’s acquisition in 1992, when aging tracks limited train speeds to 10 mph. Investments over the years, bolstered by a previous CRISI grant in 2019, laid the groundwork for the current upgrade, allowing the company to make timely and crucial improvements.

Economic and Safety Enhancements for the Region

The funding comes as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s boost to the CRISI program, which has now been expanded to $1 billion annually for five years. This increase supports critical rail infrastructure projects that aim to reinforce supply chains, alleviate congestion, and facilitate faster and more cost-effective transport of goods and passengers across the nation. Congressman Kildee’s role in the legislative push has been pivotal in securing these advancements for Michigan’s railways, solidifying his commitment to regional economic growth and infrastructure development.

Broader Implications for Michigan’s Economy

As mid-Michigan gears up for the new rail enhancements, local businesses stand to gain from quicker transit times and improved safety protocols. This development represents not just a local victory but also part of a larger national strategy to modernize critical transportation networks, enhancing competitive capabilities and supporting sustainable economic growth.

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