Thursday, December 26, 2024

$97 million federal funds to go towards improving outdated infrastructure in Iowa

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Due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $97 million in grant money is being directed to help improve Iowa’s railroads and manufacturers.

“Iowa’s rail system is vital to our state’s local economy,” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. “This federal investment will enhance railroad safety and manufacturing, while opening up greater opportunities for economic growth. The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to support important local improvements, and I’m glad to see Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to communities across our state.”

In a press release from Sen. Grassley’s office said it will “replace outdated transportation infrastructure, construct new bridges and support Iowa’s locomotive industry.”

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway, Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC and East Erie Commercial Rail are set to receive the federal funds.

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway

– $19,040,000 will go towards this project.

– Funds will be used for railroad tie replacements that span along 56 miles of track from Cedar Rapids to Hills, Iowa.

Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC

– $29,883,200 will go towards this project.

– The grants will go towards design and construction of the Colfax and De Soto bridges in Iowa and Rock River and Atkinson bridges in Illinois. The new bridges will help support rail shipment of large wind energy components.

East Erie Commercial Rail

– $48,412,512 will go towards this project.

– Funds will go towards locomotive remanufacturing. According to Sen. Grassley’s press release “the remanufactured diesel locomotives are made through sourcing components from facilities in Cedar Rapids and then reassembled in facilities in Albia, employing nearly 100 Iowans.”

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