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Port authorizes $2.97 million FRA grant to rebuild Quint/Queen Street lead track
Summary
The Port Commission authorized acceptance and expenditure of a $2,970,000 Federal Railroad Administration grant to rebuild the Quint/Queen Street lead track, requiring a 10% Port match and subsequent Board of Supervisors approval, NEPA review and a track‑usage agreement with Union Pacific.
The Port Commission authorized staff to accept and expend a $2,970,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration to rebuild the Quint (Queen) Street lead track serving Port rail facilities.
Jim Maloney, representing the Port’s maritime division, told commissioners the grant — one of eight awarded from 57 applicants under the FRA program — will fund rehabilitation of the lead track to allow higher speeds, longer trains and fewer mainline delays benefiting commuter and freight operations. Maloney said the award required a 10% Port match and listed next steps: Board of Supervisors approval to accept and expend funds, completion of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review (CEQA approval had already been received), negotiation of a track usage agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for control during construction, and a competitive procurement to select a contractor.
Maloney said the Queen Street lead is jointly owned by Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, with Union Pacific currently providing service to the Port. The staff presentation notes the upgrade is intended to facilitate future bulk export operations through a planned Pier 96 facility and to reduce potential interference with Muni’s Third Street light‑rail and Caltrain commuter operations.
Commissioners asked procedural and congratulatory questions about the grant application; staff confirmed the Port was the top‑scoring applicant under the program. After discussion and no public comment, the commission voted by voice and recorded the motion as passed.
Staff noted additional required actions before construction, including entering the FRA grant agreement, completing NEPA, obtaining Board of Supervisors authorization and executing any necessary indemnity approved by the city risk manager and city attorney.
