Congressman David Kustoff Helps Secure a $20.3 Million Federal Grant for West Tennessee Railroad

MEMPHIS - Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN-08) today applauded the announcement that the West Tennessee Railroad has been awarded $20.3 million for the West Tennessee Rail Modernization Project through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.

"Reliable freight rail service is essential to the economic success of West Tennessee," said Congressman Kustoff. "Our farmers and manufacturers depend on these rail connections to get their products to market, and this investment will make freight service safer and more efficient. I am pleased to have helped secure this significant funding for our region, and I thank Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink for recognizing the importance of this project to West Tennessee."

The project will replace rail and ties, rehabilitate 25 at-grade crossings, replace turnouts, and extend an interchange siding. These improvements are expected to eliminate existing speed restrictions and reduce the risk of derailments. The project will improve rail infrastructure serving Obion, Weakley, Gibson, Madison, Chester, and McNairy counties, including lines through Milan, Jackson, Humboldt, Dyer, Trenton, and Henderson.

This funding builds on West Tennessee Railroad's 2024 CRISI grant, which Congressman Kustoff also supported. The earlier project is now entering the construction phase. Together, these investments will help strengthen the long-term viability of freight rail service throughout West Tennessee.

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