Banks Helps Secure Over $75 Million in Federal Grants for Indiana Rail Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) applauded the Federal Railroad Administration's selection of seven Indiana rail projects for up to $75,816,584 for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

The funds will support rail infrastructure improvements across the state, including track and bridge rehabilitation, crossing upgrades, and equipment improvements.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Reliable rail infrastructure helps Indiana businesses move goods safely and efficiently and connects Hoosier communities to markets across the country. These investments will strengthen safety and reliability throughout the state."

• Northwest Indiana Rail Connectivity and Expansion Project --- Up to $6,880,843: The Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad will replace ties, rehabilitate freight rail bridges, renew at-grade crossings, and rebuild approximately one mile of siding in Hanna, La Crosse, and Wellsboro.

• Freight, Rail Safety & Service Reliability Improvement Project --- Up to $2,880,000: The Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad will rehabilitate track in northern Indiana and northeastern Illinois, replace ties, rehabilitate switched, and upgrade four at-grade crossings.

• Southeastern Indiana Corridor Improvement Project --- Up to $7,915,813: The City of Madison Port Authority will support Madison Railroad improvements in North Vernon, including replacing approximately seven miles of rail, rehabilitating a siding, and installing a signal at a public crossing.

• Freight Rail Revitalization Project in Indiana and Illinois --- Up to $25,168,800: Evansville Western Railway will improve approximately 124.5 miles of rail line between Evansville and Okawville, Illinois. Work includes replacing rail and ties, installing hot bearing detectors, building a locomotive maintenance facility, and rehabilitating 12 locomotives.

• Coal and Corn in Hoosier Land Project --- Up to $14,544,000: The RailTex, Inc. award supports a project submitted on behalf of Indiana Southern Railroad. The Project will improve approximately 100 miles of track between Indianapolis and Evansville, including rail, ties, crossings, signals, and bridges.

• Program for Operation Workflows & Equipment Reliability --- Up to $15,231,696: Elkhart and Western Railroad will help Patriot Rail's locomotive fleet across 15 rail properties in 17 states.

• New Era Railroad State of Good Repair and Safety Improvement Project --- Up to $3,195,432:New Era Railroad will rehabilitate approximately 12 miles of track in Wells, Huntington, and Grant Counties, replace ties, place ballast, and rehabilitate two at-grade crossings.

Background:

The CRISI program provides grants for rail projects that improve safety, efficiency, and reliability; the seven Indiana projects were selected for project development, final design, and construction. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) FY 2025-2026 CRISI selections include the project descriptions and maximum grant amounts.

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