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Fremont council rejects request to sponsor $5 million rail grant application
Summary
The City Council voted 3–5 against Resolution 2026-150, which would have authorized Fremont to apply as lead applicant for a federal CRISI rail grant on behalf of Rail Modell Group; councilmembers cited missing documentation, safety concerns, and the applicant’s absence.
The Fremont City Council voted 3–5 to reject Resolution 2026-150, which would have authorized the city to serve as lead applicant on a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant application submitted on behalf of Rail Modell Group. Councilman Horner moved to approve the resolution and Councilman Jensen seconded; the motion failed on roll call with three ayes and five nays.
Council discussion before the vote focused on the size of the requested matching contribution ($5,000,000 as described by staff), the absence of a company representative to answer questions, and whether indemnification language in a draft agreement would sufficiently protect the city in the event of an audit or ineligible expenses. After the vote the mayor took a motion to adjourn, which carried 8–0.
"If I wanted $5,000,000, I'd sure as heck get on my corporate jet and be there, but they're not here," Councilman Peterson said during the public debate, reflecting several members' unease with the application package and the applicant’s absence.
What happens next: staff said the city would submit the application by the Thursday deadline only if council approved; because the resolution failed, the applicant will not be eligible in this grant cycle. If the city had applied and later received an award, staff said the city could pursue a transfer of award administration to the state Department of Transportation, which would return to council for approval if needed.
