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The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is accepting applications from interested parties to receive state funding for freight-rail projects. Applications for the 2013-15 biennium are due July 31.

Railroads, port or rail districts, private companies and local governments are eligible to apply for a portion of nearly $8 million in project grants and loans available through two state programs: the Freight Rail Assistance program and Freight Rail Investment Bank. For the 2013-2015 biennium, the state has appropriated $5 million for the Freight Rail Investment Bank loan program and $2.75 million for the Freight Rail Assistance grant program.

Projects will be selected based on how they improve freight mobility or demonstrate freight rail’s economic and environmental advantages, create jobs, help ease highway congestion, reduce road wear and tear, and strengthen the state’s economy, WSDOT officials said in a prepared statement.

In the most recent biennium (2011-13), the state funded 10 projects through the Freight Rail Investment Bank and six projects through the Freight Rail Assistance program.