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Last week, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved funds for several freight-rail projects and grants for several railroads’ diesel emission-reduction projects.

The commission will provide $5 million to CSX Corp. for numerous grade crossing, crossing closure and other safety projects associated with the Class I’s National Gateway initiative. ORDC also will provide financial support for track and signal improvements within the North Baltimore intermodal facility. CSX will cover the cost of a grade separation project.

The commission also will serve as the public sponsor for a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant that will facilitate the rehabilitation of a Norfolk Southern Corp. rail-car repair shop in a Portsmouth yard. The shop will overhaul 1,200 cars annually.

In addition, the ORDC approved additional funds for crossing safety improvements along the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Co.’s Akron Subdivision line between Medina and Akron; and additional funds for the reconstruction of a previously unused track to serve a Case Farms feed mill and a local aggregate stone company.

Finally, the commission approved a plan to administer more than $4.9 million in federal matching grants under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant program, a joint effort with the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Development. The federal funds will be used to reduce diesel emissions in rail yards. The Wheeling & Lake Erie, Cleveland Works Railroad, Indiana & Ohio Railroad and RJ Corman Lines will receive program grants.