A new multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help complete the revitalization of the Grenada Railroad. In September, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., announced the $6,221,020 grant to Grenada Railroad to finish the final upgrade phase of the rail line.
Backed by the financial resources of RailUSA, Grenada Railroad offers meticulous service and access to nationwide freight networks. The grant will help reestablish a strong rail link between commercial areas in Mississippi and central Tennessee by upgrading the entire line to handle the industry standard 286,000lbs. gross weight on rail (GWR). Grenada Railroad is providing a $4.97 million match for the project. Once slated to be decommissioned by a previous owner, the Grenada Railroad’s revitalization spurred economic development in the region. The final phase will ultimately restore full speed service on the line from Canton to Memphis, improving safety and reliability while resolving congestion issues. The grant is being awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program.
“This grant is a major step forward for Mississippi. After years of neglect, the Grenada Railroad will once again provide a strong rail link between our state’s centers of commerce and the rest of the U.S. I was glad to support this project, which I expect will promote economic development, create jobs, and improve safety for our residents.”
Senator Wicker, as quoted in a joint press release published September 18, 2020
“This is more good news for the revitalization of a rail line that faced extinction not too long ago. Federal grant funds, combined with nonfederal resources, will support additional safety and infrastructure improvements to the Grenada Railroad. This extensive work will allow the rail line to continue boosting economic vitality across the region”.
Senator Hyde-Smith, as quoted in a joint press release published September 18, 2020
Read the full joint press release from Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith