Cedar Rapids, IA – Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC (IAIS) is proud to announce the completion of a new hazmat training tank car, specially designed to enhance the preparedness of first responders across the Iowa Interstate network. This innovative project underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to rail safety and community readiness.

IAIS would like to thank its safety and operations team members for their commitment and effort in bringing this project to completion.  Additionally, we extend our sincere gratitude to Raptor Tank Cleaning Systems for their exceptional work and generous donation of their cleaning services. Their contribution has been vital to ensuring the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.

To promote rail safety education, the new training tank car proudly displays the emblem of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education.

The IAIS training tank car is outfitted with state-of-the-art railcar telemetry technology, including GPS location and load status monitoring. This advanced technology enhances the safety and efficiency of our operations, demonstrating how real-time information can be supplied during emergencies.

IAIS Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Greg Wilson, stated, “This new hazmat training tank car, IAIS 0911, is a testament to our commitment to safety and community preparedness. It exemplifies our collaboration with first responders, business partners, and organizations like Operation Lifesaver to promote rail safety. We look forward to continuing our close work with emergency personnel across our network to support and enhance their training efforts.”

The introduction of this hazmat training tank car marks a significant milestone in IAIS’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the areas it serves. The company remains dedicated to working collaboratively to advance rail safety and education across the Iowa Interstate network.

Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Cedar Rapids, IA, based Class-II regional railroad company operating in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas.  It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads. 

For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.

Railway Age announced the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program. Iowa Interstate Railroad Director Ida Posner was awarded Railway Age Fast Tracker Honor.

On September 30, 2024, Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), BNSF Railway, and Amtrak formally agreed on the Preliminary Engineering plans detailing the initial improvements required to implement passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities.  The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is currently reviewing these plans.   IAIS remains committed to hosting this new inter-city passenger rail service once all of the required improvements are complete and ongoing operating agreements are in place with IDOT and other stakeholders.  Specific questions related to service implementation should be referred to IDOT staff.

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.

Cedar Rapids, IA – Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC (IAIS) is saddened to announce the passing of its Founding Chairman, Dr. Paul H. Banner, on June 17, 2024, at the age of 102.  Dr. Banner was instrumental in the efforts to save the railroad following the Rock Island’s liquidation which ultimately resulted in the thriving Class-II regional railroad it is today.

IAIS Chairman Henry Posner III commented, “To describe Paul Banner as a visionary would be an understatement. The idea of a fourth main line – and an abandoned one at that – between Chicago and Omaha at the dawn of deregulation was considered by many to be delusional. We are proud to stand on his shoulders, which were extremely broad.”

“While we send our condolences to the family of Dr. Banner, we remember his many contributions to this company and are very thankful to be able to carry on his legacy.  Locomotive #519, named the “Paul H. Banner” to commemorate his 100^th birthday, serves as a reminder of our first Chairman as it moves freight on the line he helped to save”, added IAIS President, Joe Parsons. His enormous contribution to the restoration of the Rock Island’s core main line is his enduring legacy. IAIS expresses its sincere condolences to the Banner family and all those whose lives were touched by this industry visionary.

Dr. Banner’s service to the rail industry prior to IAIS included leadership roles at Southern Railway and the Rock Island.

Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Cedar Rapids, IA, based Class-II regional railroad company operating in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas.  It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads.

For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.

Media Contact: Annie Schaub
(319) 491-4465
aschaub@iaisrr.com

NEWTON, IA – May 2, 2024 – Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a cutting-edge Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newton, Iowa. This milestone marks the company’s commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure in the region.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 15^th, at 10:00 AM at the corner of N 33^rd Ave E & E 28^th St N, bringing together key stakeholders, community leaders, and project partners to celebrate the commencement of this pivotal project.

Key Features of the Renewable Energy Distribution Center:

• Green Energy Integration: The center will leverage the latest technologies to facilitate the efficient distribution of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
• Job Creation: The project is expected to support and create employment opportunities in the local community, fostering economic growth and providing skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector.
• Community Impact: IAIS is committed to community engagement and will actively collaborate with local organizations to ensure the positive impact of the center on the surrounding area.

“This project is the latest example in our proud history of consistently investing in our infrastructure on the Iowa Interstate Railroad to serve our customers’ needs. This new distribution center at Newton – a 100% private sector investment – will provide wind energy shippers a first-class facility to safely transload and store their components. With our unique connections to every Class I carrier, we are excited about the benefits our distribution center will provide to customers by enhancing wind energy supply chain efficiencies both into and out of Iowa,” said IAIS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Carrie Evans.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: N 33^rd Ave East & E 28^th St North (please park in the adjacent parking lot)

About Iowa Interstate Railroad

Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Cedar Rapids-based Class-II regional railroad company operating in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas. It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads. For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.

VETS Indexes is proud to announce that Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC has earned the designation of VETS Indexes Recognized Employer in the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“The diligent efforts of Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC to hire, retain and support veterans and the military-connected community have earned the organization a highly coveted VETS Indexes Employer Award,” said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes.

“Competition for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards was tougher than ever in 2024, as a record number of organizations participated. Even with hundreds of employers in the running, Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC demonstrated a strong dedication to veteran employment. Congratulations to Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC on this achievement!” Altman said.

This year, a record 344 organizations submitted completed surveys for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, an increase of more than 100 from last year and nearly triple the number from two years ago. Of those, VETS Indexes recognized 285 organizations across the following award levels: 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer, and Recognized Employer. Not every responding organization made the cut – only those that demonstrated a strong commitment to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses. Participating organizations included companies large and small, government agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, colleges, and universities.

As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program has set a new standard in veteran employment data. VETS Indexes and its Employer Awards have been featured on CNBC, Fox Business and BNN Bloomberg, as well as military-specific outlets, including Military.com, Military Times and Stars & Stripes. This in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes in detail, across the following 5 categories:

• Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
• Veteran employee development and retention
• Veteran-inclusive policies and culture
• Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
• Military spouse/family support

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that, with the approval of the Board, he has appointed members to the newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC).  The new members of the PRAC will advise the Board on issues impacting passenger rail service during their terms.

“I am pleased that the Board received so many nominations of distinguished and knowledgeable candidates to serve on the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee,” said Chairman Martin J. Oberman.  “The members of this inaugural PRAC have a diverse range of experience and we look forward to them providing insightful perspectives as the Board considers pressing passenger rail issues.  The Board has greatly valued the contributions of its other advisory committees over the years and I am confident that this new committee will prove to be equally valuable in advising the Board in the area of passenger rail.”

The 21 members of the PRAC and their appointed term lengths are as follows.

Amtrak

Christopher Perry, Associate General Counsel

• 3-year term

James Blair, Assistant Vice President, Host Railroads

• 2-year term

Commuter Rail

James Derwinski, CEO and Executive Director, Metra (Chicago)

• 3-year term

Lori Winfree, General Counsel, North County Transit District (San Diego)

• 2-year term

Intercity Passenger Rail (non-Amtrak)

Husein Cumber, Chief Strategy Officer, Florida East Coast Industries

• 3-year term

Gregg Baxter, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships, Herzog Enterprises

• 2-year term

State that Funds Intercity Passenger Rail

Roger Millar, Secretary of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation

• 3-year term

State that hosts only long-distance service

Shoshana Lew, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation

• 2-year term

Class I Railroad

Michael McClellan, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Norfolk Southern

• 3-year term

Andy Daly, Senior Director of Passenger Operations, CSX Transportation

• 2-year term

Class II or III Railroad

Henry Posner III, Chairman, Iowa Interstate Railroad

• 2-year term

Rail Labor

Greg Regan, President, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department

• 3-year term

Rail Passenger Advocacy Organization

Jim Mathews, President and CEO, Rail Passengers Association

• 3-year term

John Robert Smith, Chairman, Transportation for America

• 2-year term

Rail Shipper or Shipper Organization

Jonathan Lamb, President, Lake Superior Warehousing Co., Inc.

• 2-year term

At-Large

Joseph Black, Senior Vice President, Rail Operations and Service Planning, WSP

• 2-year term

Aaron Edelman, Attorney, Mooney, Green, Saindon, Murphy & Welch

• 3-year term

Patricia Long, President, Railway Supply Institute

• 2-year term

Robert Padgette, Managing Director, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

• 3-year term

Liliana Pereira, Director, Steer

• 2-year term

Carl Warren, President and CEO, North Carolina Railroad Company

• 3-year term

Paul Nissenbaum, Associate Administrator for Railroad Development at the Federal Railroad Administration, will participate as an ex officio member of the committee as the Department of Transportation representative.

The PRAC has been established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10, to help the Board better fulfill its statutory responsibilities in overseeing certain aspects of passenger rail service.  The PRAC’s activities include providing information, advice, and recommendations to the Board on issues impacting the development and operation of passenger rail services, including:  improving efficiency on passenger rail routes; reducing disputes between passenger rail carriers and freight rail hosts regarding the use of freight-owned facilities and infrastructure for passenger service, including passenger on-time performance issues; and improving regulatory processes related to intercity passenger rail to the benefit of the public, the communities served by passenger rail, and the environment.  The PRAC meetings will be open to the public.

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See full details at: https://www.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-24-15/