$27 million secured to 'modernize' rail infrastructure in Black Belt

$27 million grant from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) to "modernize" rail infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region and several communities in the Black Belt. 

An announcement from Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) stated that the project includes track rehabilitation and improvement on the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway and the Eastern Alabama Railway in Alabama and Mississippi.

It seeks to replace rail, ties, turnouts, and ballast, surface the track, modernize signals and communications, rehabilitate 34 at-grade crossings, and install trespassing signage.

Sewell made the following statement: 

"I am thrilled to announce that we have secured $27 million in federal funding to modernize the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway," said Rep. Sewell. "That means safer, more efficient rail service and more job opportunities for communities across the Black Belt. This investment builds on the $15.8 million in rail grants that we secured for the Black Belt in 2023, and it will be especially beneficial for Monroeville, Pine Hill, Linden, Demopolis, Boligee, and Pickensville."

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Alabama!" continued Sewell. "I was proud to vote for this transformational legislation, and I will keep fighting to bring more opportunities home to our district."