PHOENIX — Arizona has secured over $60 million in federal funds to support four key rail infrastructure projects, boosting the state’s transportation system with improvements aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. These funds are part of a national initiative by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to advance rail networks across the country through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, which has allocated a record $2.4 billion nationwide for rail upgrades.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the benefits of the investment, saying, “Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network. These projects will not only create jobs but also support workforce development across the country.”
Funding Sources and Goals
The funding for Arizona’s rail projects comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, emphasizing a commitment to reinforcing supply chains and enabling safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. Amit Bose, FRA Administrator, noted that the federal commitment to improving rail networks is reversing decades of underinvestment in the U.S. rail system. “Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail is more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient,” Bose said.
Key Arizona Projects Receiving Federal Funding
- Arizona Eastern Railway Safety and Resiliency Project
- Funding: $21.6 million
- Details: This project involves a comprehensive safety and efficiency upgrade for the Arizona Eastern Railway Company. The funds will be used to rehabilitate 34 miles of track, replace three aging timber bridges, install two emergency crossings, and retrofit tank cars for firefighting use. The initiative also includes clearing brush along rail rights-of-way to reduce potential hazards.
- Flagstaff Amtrak Station Accessibility Improvements
- Funding: $4.9 million
- Details: The Flagstaff Amtrak station will see the construction of a new boarding platform on the south side of the track to enhance accessibility for passengers. Located in downtown Flagstaff, the station improvements aim to increase passenger access and safety while ensuring better alignment with modern accessibility standards.
- Grand Canyon Railway Zero-Emission Locomotive Project
- Funding: $3.3 million
- Details: This project will enable GCR Acquisitions LLC to convert an older diesel locomotive to a zero-emission, battery-electric powered engine. This upgraded locomotive will serve tourists on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, supporting Arizona’s tourism economy with a cleaner, more sustainable transportation option.
- Kingman Amtrak Station Passenger Access Improvements
- Funding: $30.2 million
- Details: The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) will enhance passenger access at the Kingman station, including the installation of new siding, a control point, and a crossover for improved efficiency on the Southwest Chief line. This upgrade will facilitate smoother operations and reduce wait times for passengers in western Arizona.
Impact and Future of Arizona’s Rail Infrastructure
These federally funded projects represent a significant step toward building a more resilient and accessible rail network in Arizona. By prioritizing safety, enhancing access, and introducing more sustainable technologies, the improvements will contribute to Arizona’s economic growth and strengthen its role as a key transportation corridor in the Southwest.
“FRA’s commitment to investing in communities across Arizona will help reverse the underinvestment seen in the nation’s rail networks over the past 50 years,” Bose emphasized, reinforcing the FRA’s vision of a future with better-connected communities and a more robust rail workforce.
Tickets for Arizona rail improvements and train travel, including updated routes and schedules, will be available through Amtrak and the Arizona Eastern Railway, enabling residents and visitors alike to benefit from these essential enhancements to the state’s rail infrastructure.
