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Prineville secures $1.6 million FRA grant for railroad work; council hears quarterly financials
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Summary
City staff announced a $1.6 million Federal Railroad Administration grant toward railroad preservation, including replacement ties and equipment, and Finance Director Laurie Hooper Antrim presented the city’s quarterly report showing several fund balance shifts and a potential supplemental budget need after bridge damage.
City staff told the council they secured a $1.6 million Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant to support a railroad preservation project that staff estimated will total about $2.0 million when complete. The grant will fund a large portion of track work — staff cited roughly 10,000 railroad ties — and allow purchase of specialized maintenance equipment to support future track preservation.
Public works staff said nine bidders responded to the bridge/track procurement with two bidders qualifying under required railroad certifications; staff expected an award in mid‑December. The staff presentation emphasized the maintenance benefits of bringing equipment and work in‑house to extend rail life and lower long‑term costs.
Finance Director Laurie Hooper Antrim presented the first‑quarter financial report. With all city funds combined, the first‑quarter fund balance decreased by roughly $1.6 million; the general fund was down about 11% largely because of the timing of property‑tax receipts. Transportation and Transportation SDC funds also saw decreases tied to capital projects and timing of grant reimbursements. Hooper Antrim noted SDC street revenues rose to $509,000 this quarter mainly from three commercial development SDC payments.
The report also noted an unanticipated event: a truck struck the railroad bridge over Madras Highway, causing significant damage. Staff said a supplemental budget would likely be required before year‑end to address the damage. Hooper Antrim told council she corrected an error she found in a packet chart and updated the report on the city website.
"We're lucky enough to get 1,600,000.0 through the FRA grant," a staff speaker said, and staff described the grant as covering roughly 20% of a larger federal funding round for railroad projects. Councilors asked technical questions about tie species and procurement timing; staff said preferred ties include Douglas fir or southern yellow pine depending on cost and availability.
