This grant agreement funds the west michigan railroad CO

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded West Michigan Railroad Co. $14.13 million under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) on April 1, 2025, to fund a rail replacement and mainline reconstruction project. The award supports preliminary engineering, environmental review, final design, and construction activities for infrastructure improvements spanning approximately 10 miles of track in Van Buren County, Michigan. Specific deliverables include rail and cross-tie replacements, roadbed reconstruction, bridge and turnout repairs, two at-grade crossing upgrades, and approximately 5.6 miles of track rebuilding. The project is scheduled for completion by August 30, 2029.

The infrastructure improvements will enhance operational safety by mitigating derailment risk and upgrade the line to accommodate 286,000-pound railcar capacity at Federal Railroad Administration Class 2 speeds (up to 25 miles per hour). These enhancements enable West Michigan Railroad Co., a Class III short-line railroad, to meet current operational demand and support future capacity growth. The CRISI program funds projects designed to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems nationwide, with the FRA demonstrating preference for projects where federal funding represents 50 percent or less of total project costs and involves multiple funding sources.

Rail replacement and mainline reconstruction project. WMI is a class III short line railroad currently operating in van buren county, michigan. The project consists of preliminary engineering, environmental review, final design and construction for infrastructure improvements on approximately 10 miles of rail. Specific improvements include rail and cross tie replacements, reconstructed roadbeds, bridge and turnout repairs, upgrade of two at grade crossings and rebuilding approximately 5.6 miles of track. This project will improve safety by mitigating the risk of derailments, and by upgrading the line to 286,000-pound railcar capacity and will allow WMI to operate at FRA class 2 speeds (up to 25 MPH) to meet current demand and capacity for future growth.