$29M in W.Va. grants for rail line rehabilitation approved

The Facts -

Federal Grants to Boost West Virginia Rail Infrastructure

PARKERSBURG — In a concerted effort to upgrade West Virginia's transportation framework, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin have secured over $29 million in federal grants to modernize rail lines within the state.

Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad will receive $6.9 million for the design and construction of two critical bridges in Parkersburg and Devola.

Funded through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), these grants will reinforce projects aimed at enhancing rail safety, efficiency, and resilience.

“Proper maintenance of our railways is vital to the state's infrastructure, making this funding essential,” stated Capito, R-W.Va. “These grants will modernize the railways, paving the way for future economic growth.”

“Today’s announcement is a significant investment in connecting West Virginia communities, promising increased tourism and economic development,” noted Manchin, I-W.Va.

As per Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad Vice President Matt McLaughlin, the Sixth Street Railroad Bridge and a bridge near the Devola Run Dam will undergo maintenance.

The Sixth Street Railroad Bridge, a historic structure opened in 1871 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, plays an integral role in the region's rail network. This bridge supports 90% of the line's traffic, crucial for interstate commerce between Beverly and Belpre, with five to seven trips weekly.

Preliminary construction activities are underway, with around 30% completed, focusing on design work. The project is expected to commence in late 2025.

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