Warner, Kaine Announce $3.6 Million In Federal Funding For Shenandoah Valley Rail Improvements

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $3,600,000 in federal funding to modernize the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of freight rail service for businesses throughout the region. The funding was awarded through the Department of Transportation's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was significantly expanded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.

"Reliable rail transportation is essential to keeping Virginia's economy moving, and when businesses can move goods more efficiently, it helps make life more affordable for Virginia families," said the senators."We're proud to have secured these federal dollars to modernize the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, strengthen supply chains, and support economic growth throughout the region."

The funding will support the Shenandoah Valley Rail Improvement Project, which will rehabilitate approximately 20 miles of track in Augusta and Rockingham counties. Improvements will include replacing railroad ties, installing new ballast, resurfacing tracks, rebuilding switches, and upgrading five at-grade crossings. The upgrades will enhance safety, improve service reliability, and maintain Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Class 2 track standards, allowing for efficient maintenance and rail operations in the future.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for transportation infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth. In August, the senators announced more than $17 million in federal funding for passenger rail improvement projects across Virginia. In July, the senators announced more than $76 million for Virginia transportation infrastructure projects. Many of the grants Sens. Warner and Kaine have championed were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a transformative investment in American infrastructure needs.

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