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Last week, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) officials and federal, state and local representatives dedicated the first of 19 new locomotives that will be added to the commuter railroad’s fleet by 2012.

VRE’s operations board has modified a contract with MotivePower Inc. to increase the order amount to $76.7 million. The next few units tentatively are scheduled for delivery in October or November.

The locomotives, which will replace units VRE purchased more than 10 years ago, are designed to pull 10-car trains instead of the current six-car trains.

VRE received more than $5 million in federal funding appropriated by Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) and about $9.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars to help cover the locomotives’ cost. VRE will cover the remainder from formula funds and matching community contributions.

“These new locomotives will not only benefit the immediate need for stronger and more reliable trains to service current ridership levels, but also allow for the expansion of service by permitting the Virginia Railway Express to lengthen existing trains,” said Webb in a prepared statement.