FRA Awards Over $24 Million for Rail Infrastructure Upgrades in North Dakota

BISMARCK, ND – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $23.6 million to the Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW) and $690,825 to Bottineau County through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, enhance safety, and improve transportation efficiency across North Dakota. “This funding will allow the modernization of a large portion of railway between Gwinner and Wyndmere—two-thirds of which was laid down before the end of World War I, and the rest before the Great Depression ,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “Old rail is susceptible to thermal misalignments, and frigid North Dakota winters can break joint bars and increase the risk of derailments. The grant will ensure RRVW can continue supporting North Dakota’s agricultural shippers with dependable, modern rail service.” In April, the North Dakota Delegation wrote a letter to FRA in support of the project and earlier this year Cramer led his colleagues in urging continued funding for the CRISI program. Additionally, Bottineau County’s award will target rail safety improvements, including a railroad crossing near a school zone and increased grain-handling capacity. “Red River Valley & Western is proud to partner with our customers, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Senator Cramer,” said Red River Valley & Western Railroad President Vic Meyers. “This project will ensure North Dakota farmers and manufacturers can continue to enjoy safe, efficient, and reliable rail service.”