The project aims to enhance rail infrastructure at port bienville industrial park in hancock county, mississippi, through the construction of an eight-track classification yard and a 3,500-linear-foot…

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $7.32 million to Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission (doing business as Port Bienville Railroad Co) under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) on June 1, 2025. The project will deliver enhanced rail infrastructure at Port Bienville Industrial Park in Hancock County, Mississippi, through construction of an eight-track classification yard and a 3,500-linear-foot intermodal switch lead. Upon completion by August 30, 2028, the facility will provide storage capacity for 235 railcars, significantly improving railcar storage capabilities and streamlining rail operations to support regional economic growth.

The award funds four key deliverables: preliminary engineering activities to prepare designs, cost estimates, and construction schedules for FRA approval; environmental review to complete National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and associated documentation; final design to develop detailed construction plans and secure necessary permits; and construction of the infrastructure including mitigation measures. The project will benefit local industries, rail operators, and communities by enhancing logistics networks and supporting expanded freight handling capacity at the port facility.

The project aims to enhance rail infrastructure at port bienville industrial park in hancock county, mississippi, through the construction of an eight-track classification yard and a 3,500-linear-foot intermodal switch lead. IT will improve railcar storage capacity, streamline rail operations, and support regional economic growth. Key activities include preliminary engineering (to prepare designs, cost estimates, and schedules for FRA approval), environmental review (to complete nepa compliance and related documentation), final design (to develop detailed designs and secure permits for construction), and construction (to build infrastructure with a capacity for 235 railcars, including mitigation measures). Beneficiaries include local industries, rail operators, and communities relying on enhanced logistics networks for growth and opportunity.