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1/18/2022
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is encouraging railroads, shippers, cities and counties to apply for up to $6.5 million in available grants for projects that will improve freight-rail service and support economic development.
The funding is available through the 2022 Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Program (MRSI). Applications are due March 1.
Examples of projects eligible for funding include railroad tracks, roadbeds, turnouts, bridges, fixed loading/unloading equipment and buildings. Funding cannot be used for regular or recurring maintenance activities, incomplete or phased projects or engineering, design and right-of-way acquisition costs, MnDOT officials said in a press release.
The MRSI funding was approved during a 2021 Minnesota special legislative session. Additional funds are expected to be available for more projects in the second half of 2022.
MnDOT will hold an informational webinar about the program on Jan. 27. Grant applications, information about the webinar and additional MRSI program details are available here.
The MRSI program has administered more than $62 million in loans and grants for capital improvement projects since it was established in 1976 to strengthen the state’s shipping economy.
"Reliable freight rail service is essential for the economic well-being of Minnesota’s communities and businesses, and MnDOT continues to recognize this by providing this unique funding opportunity to improve rail service in the state," said Peter Dahlberg, program manager of the MnDOT Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.