Wisconsin co-op obtains loan to build freight-rail spur

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker yesterday announced a $1.7 million Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) loan for ProVision Partners Co-op to construct nearly 6,300 feet of rail spur tracks at the company's plant in Auburndale, Wis.

The track construction is part of a $24 million expansion project to ProVision's existing grain elevator and fertilizer storage capacity. The project also will add feed mill facilities and a convenience store to the location, according to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) press release.

The new facility will be served by CN. ProVision Partners Co-op was formed as a combination of Central Wisconsin Cooperative based in Stratford and Harmony Cooperative from Colby, Unity and Pittsville.

FRIIP is a revolving loan program used to improve rail infrastructure and construct new rail-served facilities. It is one of two freight railroad assistance programs in Wisconsin designed to increase the use of rail transportation, support economic development and create jobs. The ProVision project is expected to result in 30 new jobs.

WisDOT also distributes grants through the Freight Railroad Preservation Program, which covers up to 80 percent of a project's costs to help preserve freight-rail service or rehabilitate track on public rail lines.