Oil patch bits: Alaska Railroad Corp. awarded $4 million grant

Petroleum News

Alaska Congressman Don Young announced Sept. 18 that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $4,110,480 to the Alaska Railroad Corp. as part of the consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements grant program. This funding will be used to replace a timber bridge over the Trail River approximately 23 miles north of Seward. The new bridge will support the Alaska Railroad’s freight and passenger services by allowing industry standard gross weight capabilities of railcars and intermodal double-stack cars from 263k to 286k.

“Whether it is by train, plane, or watercraft, ensuring that Alaska’s infrastructure is strong and safe is critical to our economy and way of life,” Young said. “As former Chairman of the House Committee on transportation and infrastructure, I have seen first-hand the need for reliable roads, bridges, and highways. I am very grateful to the Department of Transportation for making this funding available to the Alaska Railroad. From tourism to the movement of goods and services, the work of the Alaska Railroad is vital. This funding will go a long way toward keeping the wheels turning on our trains for years to come. Infrastructure has always been one of my highest priorities in Congress, and I will always fight to ensure that Alaskan families and businesses can safely and effectively travel around our state.”