advertisement

---

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently issued a notice of funding availability to state departments of transportation regarding about $5 million in grants for railroad rehabilitation and repair projects.

Eligible projects include Class II and Class III infrastructure damaged by natural disasters in counties federally declared as major disaster areas between Jan. 1, 2008, and Oct. 6, 2009. The FRA might award one or more grants, which can be used to help finance projects involving rights of way, bridges, signals and other infrastructure.

Meanwhile, members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division's (BMWED) Midwest System Federation overwhelmingly ratified an agreement with the Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd.

The five-year contract provides annual wage increases and a number of work rule improvements. The pact also requires Iowa Interstate to enroll employees in the national health and welfare plan. The federation represents about 700 BMWED members who build, construct, inspect and maintain tracks, bridges, buildings and equipment.