United States President Joe Biden and his administration awarded more than $1.4 billion to the country¡¯s rail industry to boost capacity and improve safety.

According to The Associated Press, the funding from the federal government would make around 70 projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. possible, including track upgrades, bridge repairs, connectivity among railways and making routes less vulnerable to extreme weather.

One of the most significant projects funded by President Biden and his administration is the $178.4 million effort to return passenger service to parts of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi for the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.

¡°This is a significant milestone, representing years of dedicated efforts to reconnect our communities after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,¡± Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, said. ¡°Restoring passenger rail service will create jobs, improve quality of life, and offer a convenient travel option for tourists, contributing to our region¡¯s economic growth and vitality.¡±

Some of the other projects include $72.8 million being awarded to the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad in Washington state to upgrade the track and related infrastructure, $29.5 million to Kentucky for 280 miles of track and other infrastructure and $23.7 million to Tennessee for 42 bridge upgrades on 10 different short-line railroads.

Earlier this year, a train crash in Ohio that spilled hazardous chemicals brought railroad safety to the forefront of Americans¡¯ minds, with President Biden ordering federal agencies to introduce safety reforms still being held up by Congress.?

¡°These projects will make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of communities where railroads are located, and strengthening supply chains for the entire country,¡± Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore