By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Transportation on Friday announced the first round of recipients for the new 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program, which will invest $19 million toward freight rail projects across Michigan.

The 12 projects that were competitively selected, make strategic investments in freight rail corridors and facilities to improve rail safety, operational efficiency, accessibility, capacity and condition.

One of the recipients is Mineral Range Inc., based in Marquette County, to relay 4 miles of rail. The M-REP grant is $769,860, the project’s total cost at $1,099,800.

Mineral Range Railroad is a short-line railroad that operates in the Upper Peninsula.

“With approximately 3,600 miles of rail corridors in Michigan operated by 29 freight railroads, freight rail keeps our diverse economy rolling,” Whitmer said in a statement. “From farmers depending on rail to haul their crops to market to auto manufacturers shipping finished products across North America, rail creates jobs and serves communities across our state.

“The 2023 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant will invest $19 million across Michigan, ensure our rail system is safe, efficient and meets Michigan’s economic and transportation needs.”

M-REP grants reimburse up to 70% of project costs associated with railroad track, bridges, grade crossings, rail scales to weigh freight cars on mainline corridors and at rail yards, intermodal facilities, and transload facilities. Movable equipment or freight rail rolling stock may be considered if plans are submitted that provide adequate controls for Michigan-specific use.

In 2022, funds were dedicated for rail-related economic development projects and rail freight system preservation projects. The grants will leverage approximately $48 million in other investment in the rail system.