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The Iowa Transportation Commission recently approved the release of $5 million in federal stimulus funds for four freight-rail projects.

The commission will provide:
• $2 million to the Clinton Regional Development Corp. to establish rail access to an industrial park and add passing track to facilitate switching;
• $2 million to Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. to upgrade a Council Bluffs intermodal facility, including a new drainage system, and track and paving rehabilitation work;
• $764,200 to the D &W Railroad to upgrade up to nine rail bridges between Dewar and Oelwein; and
• $235,800 to the city of Keokuk to upgrade electrical components for a Mississippi River bridge, which has an electric-powered swing span that dates back to 1913 and accommodates rail traffic.

The Iowa Department of Transportation received 33 applications from railroads, local businesses and governments, and regional agencies for funding assistance totaling more than $48 million. The department evaluated the projects to be funded based on their level of construction readiness, potential for economic development and freight traffic benefits, such as improved rail service for shippers or the value of rail access to a business or group of businesses.