Patriot Rail selected for nearly $48 million in federal grants (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Daily Record) — Jacksonville-based Patriot Rail Co. has been selected to receive up to $47.7 million in federal funding for three projects to modernize locomotives, upgrade track and improve bridges across its rail network.
In an Oct. 19 news release, the company said the awards are part of $2.3 billion in funding announced by the Federal Railroad Administration through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program for 105 rail projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
The largest Patriot Rail award is up to $16.8 million to replace rail, ties and ballast on five short lines in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Another $15.7 million will fund improvements to eight bridges on six short lines in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Utah.
The remaining $15.2 million will help replace 22 locomotives and add four more across 15 Patriot Rail properties in 17 states.
Patriot Rail operates 31 short line railroads and four excursion railways, with freight and related services across 23 states, according to the company.