FRA pledges $2.7 million toward rail planning in Midwest

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) earlier this week announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will commit more than $2.7 million toward rail planning efforts in North Dakota and other Midwest states.

The funds will be used to enhance the states' passenger-rail networks with updated cost and trip data, as well as to add new mapping features, according to a press release issued by Hoeven's office.

"We need more accurate planning for passenger rail in North Dakota and throughout the Midwest so that we can operate rail more efficiently," Hoeven said. "This is an investment in rail infrastructure and will help make the overall system run more smoothly. I will continue to work in the Appropriations Committee to secure funding to build rail infrastructure that will make our railroads safer and more efficient."

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D.-N.D.) added that partnerships with the FRA and other federal entities are important as her state continues to use rail to move passengers and products such as crude oil.

"[This] investment in the future of our railway safety and security will help make sure our state can provide the infrastructure we need to expand our rails while keeping our passengers and our products safe," she said.