Washington, D.C. – Rail industry professionals from around the country assembled in the hearing room at Surface Transportation Board headquarters  last week for the first meeting of the STB’s Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.

Cedar Rapids, IA – Today, the Federal Railroad Administration announced Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC, will receive a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant toward the design and construction of bridges near Colfax and DeSoto, Iowa, over the Rock River in Illinois, and near Atkinson, Illinois.  Iowa Interstate has committed to match this federal grant with a nearly 6 million dollar investment toward this project.  Earlier this year, Iowa Interstate Railroad hosted a ground breaking ceremony of its Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newton, Iowa; this facility represents our commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure in our region to serve our customers’ needs in the shipment and storage of wind energy components.   Replacing the Colfax and DeSoto bridges eliminates any remaining clearance restrictions to further support the rail shipment of these larger wind energy components to and from westward locations.  Replacement of the bridge spanning the Rock River and that at Atkinson in Illinois removes speed restrictions and enhances freight network resilience.  

We express our gratitude to our Iowa and Illinois Congressional delegation, the Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation, and many others for their support of this project to further our continued commitment to better serve our customers and support our region’s economy.

Newton, IA – Iowa Interstate Railroad was recognized by Newton Development Corporation for its investment in a future project that will allow for the transportation and drop off of wind energy components.