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Genesee & Wyoming reports $19.5 million rail upgrade project funded in part by CRISI grant and NH DOT match
Summary
Genesee & Wyoming told the committee it won a Federal Railroad Administration CRISI grant for upgrades on the Saint Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad; New Hampshire DOT provided $500,000 in matching funds and the project cost is about $19,500,000 with additional matching contributions from MaineDOT and the railroad.
Charles Hunter, assistant vice president of government affairs for Genesee & Wyoming, reported to the Capital Budget and Capital Project Overview Committee that the company won a Federal Railroad Administration CRISI grant to upgrade track on the Saint Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad in the North Country.
Hunter said New Hampshire Department of Transportation provided $500,000 in matching funds that helped secure the award. He described the total project budget as about $19,500,000, including matches from MaineDOT and the railroad, and said the Federal Railroad Administration had issued a notice to proceed so the company was able to purchase heavier rail to meet a modern "286,000" railcar standard.
Hunter reported the rail has been delivered and staged in the county (transcript: "Cowas County") and that agreements with New Hampshire DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration remain under review. He said the work plan includes installing the new rail next year along with switches, grade crossings and ancillary supporting work.
Committee members thanked Hunter for the update and noted the collaboration across agencies and states in bringing the project forward.
Notes on transcript text and names: this article uses the names and numbers as provided in the meeting transcript. The transcript refers to "Cowas County," which may be a transcription variant of Coos County; that place name is flagged for verification. The transcript also referenced "£286,000" in relation to a railcar standard; this article cites the figure as stated in the meeting but does not infer units beyond the participant's phrasing.
Next steps: Hunter said participants were finalizing agreements and plan to install the rail and related infrastructure in the coming construction season.
