Biden administration announces $2.4 billion for new rail projects

The Biden administration announced $2.4 billion in funding for new rail projects Tuesday.

Officials are hoping the investment will spur new job opportunities for Americans as they undertake 122 rail improvement projects in 41 states and the District of Columbia, according to a release.

“Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The federal agency partnered with Amtrak to design a $14 million mechanical craft training program that will educate workers on how to maintain the company’s equipment in major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and D.C.

The state of Illinois received $157 million to push forward efforts for high-speed train service between St. Louis and Chicago.

Georgia and North Carolina also received investments in freight and passenger tracks.  

The Tar Heel State upgrades, with an investment of more than $105.5 million, will improve the capacity of the North Carolina Railroad Co.'s NC Line so passenger and freight trains can travel faster.

The Peach State project will improve an existing rail yard and construct a new one in Brunswick, according to the release. The investment is $26.5 million.

Additional sites in Michigan and Arizona were highlighted in the release as Federal Railroad Administration grant recipients through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.