The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced $2.3 billion in federal funding for 105 freight and passenger rail projects across 45 states and the District of Columbia through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program.

The investments will support improvements to more than 2,000 miles of track, with an additional $1.9 billion in non-federal funding committed by state, local, and private partners. The program received a record number of eligible applications this funding cycle.

Among the selected projects are $33.6 million for the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad to replace rail, install new ties, and improve sidings; $43.5 million for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway to rehabilitate the Toledo Swing Bridge; and $37 million for the Maine Department of Transportation to rehabilitate approximately 90 miles of track, including tie and ballast replacement. Additional awards will support infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

“The funds announced today will provide shortline railroads across the country with the resources they need to make long overdue improvements to their day to day operations,” said FRA Administrator David Fink. “These thoughtful, targeted investments will reduce congestion and improve operations instead of wasting tax dollars on politically driven boondoggles.”