Illinois DOT grant to benefit Peru Industrial Railroad project

OmniTRAX Inc. and the city of Peru, Illinois, have received an Illinois Competitive Freight Program grant to help fund a $4.4 million rail safety and security improvement project aimed at boosting safety and security at the Peru Industrial Railroad.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the grant program is designed to improve safety, boost efficiency and grow the economy.

The grant will cover about 60 percent of the project's costs, while OmniTRAX — which manages the railroad — and the city will cover the remaining costs. The road and intermodal rail service project is designed to improve freight flow in the area.

Peru Industrial Railroad operates 3 miles of track in Peru. It provides switching services for the Peru Industrial Park, part of the city's enterprise zone. The rail line interchanges with OmniTRAX-managed Illinois Railway and BNSF Railway Co.

"We have been working closely with the city of Peru for several months to ensure the project meets everyone's goals of a safer rail line that is positioned to grow in support of the local economy," said OmniTRAX Chief Executive Officer Kevin Shuba.