Iowa commission OKs $2.6 million in rail project funding

The Iowa Transportation Commission earlier this month approved more than $2.6 million in funding for three rail infrastructure and related rail development projects under the state's Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant program.

The projects are expected to support the creation and retention of 105 jobs within the next three to five years. The proposed developments will leverage millions in new capital investments across Iowa, according to an Iowa Department of Transportation press release.

The projects receiving funding are:
• Sterilite Corp.'s rail spur in Davenport, which qualified for a $1 million grant. The project involves construction of 9,800 lineal feet of track and seven turnouts to address supply and demand at the company. The project cost is $5,169,660.
• Pattison Sand's Canadian Pacific unit train expansion in Clayton, which was approved for a $700,482 loan and a $252,000 grant. The project being funded is the second of five phases of the expansion. The current phase will add 3,300 track feet, 78 rail car spots and a rail scale. The project cost is $5,334,455.
• Re-establishment of freight service to Clear Lake, which qualified for a $655,000 loan. This project includes rehabilitation of the rail line between Emery and Clear Lake on the Iowa Traction Railway Co. Two bridges will be strengthened and 3 miles of rail will be replaced. The project cost is $1,384,000.