CAGTC members win RAISE funding for port, rail projects

Among the recipients of federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funds this year are 11 projects sponsored or supported by Coalition for America's Gateways & Trade Corridors (CAGTC) members.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the award of $2.2 billion in RAISE grants. Grant amounts and projects involving CAGTC members include:

• $21.7 million for the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board/city of Spokane Valley Pines Road/ BNSF Grade Separation Project in Washington state, which calls for replacing the grade crossing at Pines Road and BNSF Railway Co. tracks with a new underpass. The project will replace the signalized intersection of two state highways with a multilane roundabout and construct a separated shared-use path under the railroad crossing and an adjacent shared-use path around the new roundabout intersection;

• $20 million for the Port of Los Angeles' Maritime Support Facility Access/Terminal Island Rail System, which calls for construction of a four-lane grade separation. The project will eliminate a significant truck access impediment to an important container terminal support facility located on Terminal Island, while significantly reducing delays, accidents, and emissions at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; and

• $12.6 million for Port Tampa Bay's New Berth 301 project, which calls for construction of a new berth at the Port Redwing facility.

"For years, CAGTC members have called for increased freight infrastructure investment to meet growing demands. This round of RAISE awards comes at a critical time and will enable strategic investments," said CAGTC Executive Director Elaine Nessle in a press release.