By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
Four Arizona rail projects are slated to receive a combined total of more than $60.2M in federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program. The CRISI Program’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity had nearly $2.48B available.
Eligible projects include railway safety technology, capital projects for passenger service or to address congestion or regional railroad infrastructure, relocation and improvements, rail crossing improvements, and connection and service improvements between rail and modes, among others.
The Arizona projects on the list were detailed in an announcement from the office of Sen. Mark Kelly.
Seligman Sub Efficiency Improvements Project
The Seligman Sub Efficiency Improvements Project covers right-of-way acquisition and the installation of nearly three miles of siding, a control point and a crossover in the western part of the state for Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line. The improvement project is expected to enhance safety and improve system and service performance by reducing travel time and improving access at the Kingman Amtrak station.
The federal allocation amount is slightly more than $30.2M, and a 20% non-federal match will be contributed by Amtrak and BNSF Railway. The project has been selected for Final Design and Construction.
Eastern Arizona Rail Safety, Efficiency, and Resiliency Project
Also selected for Final Design and Construction is the Eastern Arizona Rail Safety, Efficiency, and Resiliency Project, which will cover the rehabilitation of nearly 34 miles of track, replace three timber bridges, install two emergency crossings, and enable other improvements for the Arizona Eastern Railway Company.
In May of this year, Arizona House Committee on Transportation Chair David Cook wrote a letter to USDOT urging approval of the funding request. Cook represents Legislative District 7, which includes AERC’s service area.
AERC will contribute a 30% non-federal match.
Flagstaff Amtrak Station Accessibility Project
As announced by the City of Flagstaff and reported in AZBEX earlier this month, the Flagstaff Amtrak Station Accessibility Project has been awarded nearly $4.99M. Plans include constructing a second boarding platform and improving accessibility for the existing platform. (AZBEX, Nov. 1)
Flagstaff and BNSF will contribute a 20% non-Federal match. The City will integrate the Amtrak station improvements into its overall Downtown Mile Safety and Connectivity projects suite to allow for more seamless execution across its downtown improvement efforts.
Diesel Locomotive Conversion to Battery Regenerative Electric
The funding announcement also included nearly $3.38M to convert aging diesel locomotives to battery-electric power on the Grand Canyon Railway’s tourist operation between Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Railway’s parent company, Xanterra, will provide the 20% non-Federal match.
