U.S. Sugar Donates ACL 4-6-2 to Tennessee Valley
Choice Terminal Commodity Transfer Facility opens along Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad in Dillard
New Orleans port forms JV to run future Louisiana terminal
Port of Palm Beach Wraps Up $30M Upgrade Project
R.J. Corman to begin using Intramotev autonomous railcars
OmniTRAX Completing Infrastructure Investments to Resume Central Texas Rail Operations
Railroad members! If you want to be featured in this section, please email us the link. You can also tag us (@ASLRRA) in your social media posts. Interested in seeing your railroad showcased in your local newspaper? Contact Amy Krouse for assistance.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for its Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). A total of $48.8 million in funding is available for infrastructure projects that include freight rail.
Short line railroads have been beneficiaries of PIDP grant funding in prior rounds. These projects include construction of rail and transload facilities and railyards within a port, building new rail spurs and installing new track, improving rail crossings, rail tie replacement and more.
Short line railroads are not directly eligible for PIDP grants, but can partner with government entities to apply. Eligible projects are those within the boundary of a port or outside the boundary of a port and directly related to port operations or to an intermodal connection to a port that improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of port operations and goods movement.
Click here to learn more about the PIDP, view lists of previous grant recipients and access the NOFO at the grants.gov site.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently updated its eLibrary, adding a number of documents including several that are of interest to ASLRRA members. These include a track and structures compliance manual and information related to drug and alcohol programs.
Information and links to each resource are listed below. As a benefit to members, ASLRRA offers up-to-date FRA resources on its website and will be adding the post-accident policy and guidance documents to the Compliance Templates section of its website.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved six new railroads to utilize an existing hours-of-service waiver, allowing employees to receive 24 hours off-duty after a six-day on-duty period.
In the letter approving the waiver request, the FRA includes five conditions that replace those described in its original waiver approval letter from 2022. Also enclosed with the letter is the list of all railroads that have been approved to participate in the waiver.
All railroads approved to use the waiver must print out this most recent FRA letter for their records and ensure they are meeting the five conditions listed in the waiver. The waiver can be found by logging in to view ASLRRA’s Compliance Templates and click Part 228 (Hours-of-Service). Anyone with questions can contact ASLRRA’s Jo Strang or JR Gelnar.
The original rule under 49 U.S.C. 21103(a)(4) requires train employees to receive 48 hours off-duty after the six consecutive days on-duty. ASLRRA requested application of the waiver on behalf of these additional six railroads, noting that each railroad sought employee input concerning the waiver request and that affected employees support the waiver.
The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) released results of five surveys showing public opposition to increases in truck weight limits.
CABT conducted the surveys in five districts of House members who are on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is considering increasing truck weight limits to 91,000 pounds from the current 80,000-pound maximum.
In one key finding, most survey participants responded no when asked if they supported Congress raising the maximum weight of trucks. The results from each surveyed district are listed below:
According to co/efficient President Ryan Munce, “The results show an unusually broad consensus among voters. Across party lines, age groups and demographics, voters consistently oppose allowing heavier trucks on America’s highways.”
ASLRRA is a member of CABT and consistently advocates for modal equity in transportation. This includes raising awareness of the negative impacts longer, heavier trucks would have on public safety and infrastructure. Learn more about ASLRRA’s position on modal equity and truck size and weight on its website.
The House and Senate are in recess this week and next. The Senate is scheduled to return on April 13, and the House is scheduled to return on April 14. When Congress returns, they will need to address funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has now been shutdown for 44 days.
Lawmakers may also consider formulating a new budget reconciliation package aimed at funding for the war in Iran and other Republican priorities. In addition, it is being reported that the president plans to send Congress his fiscal year 2027 budget request on April 3.
GrayMar Environmental Services, Inc. (GrayMar) delivers safe, innovative, and cost-effective solutions through a management team with over five decades of combined industry experience. By prioritizing operational efficiency and professional excellence, they provide the expertise necessary for high-profile projects while building long-term customer relationships. Call (866) 472-9627 for more information.
Scout Robotics helps shortlines modernize inspections with portable, vehicle/hyrail mounted AI systems that detect and predict track and infrastructure faults during normal operations. Their edge-to-cloud workflow turns raw sensor data into map-based, actionable maintenance outputs in near real time. No track downtime required - just better visibility, faster response, and lower inspection cost. Primary contact and CEO, Tejas Agarwal, can be reached at tejas@scoutrobo.com or (445) 208-9990.
Tietan addresses the critical need to extend wood rail tie service life. Tietan™, their flagship rail product, is engineered to supplement wood tie preservation by providing a flexible, weatherproof asphalt-based coating that protects wood ties from the destructive effects of water and UV rays. In short, it extends tie-cycles, helping railroads manage replacement costs. Tietan is developed in the labs of the Heritage Research Group, and owned and distributed exclusively through Railway Innovative Solutions, LLC, a company of The Heritage Group. To see the research behind this solution, reach out to primary contact Erin Meehan at emeehan@tietan.com.
TODAY'S UPDATE: Hilton Garden Inn has extended its ASLRRA discounted rooms through tomorrow – click here to book today.
Remember, after April 2 availability at all conference hotels is at the market rate. Many of our hotels have completely sold out during our conference dates.
ASLRRA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition is a celebration of the short line industry. Attendees return year after year, excited about the opportunity to reconnect with railroad colleagues from across the country, many of whom they only see in person once a year, at this event.
Networking at the Annual Conference facilitates new business connections but it is also a chance to share ideas and best practices related to railroad operations. The conference education sessions not only enable attendees to learn from industry and subject-matter experts, they are a place for professionals to discuss their own experiences and learn from each other.
This year’s conference will also offer
The Annual Conference allows participants to be both teacher and student, colleague and friend. Do not miss this opportunity. Register today!
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
Secure one of the last few spots in ASLRRA’s General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) Training Seminar, being held April 28-30 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The deadline to secure a hotel room for this event at the negotiated room block rate is April 6.
This training seminar is intended for railroads who have adopted the GCOR as their operating rules and may be used to meet operating rules training as required by 49 CFR Part 240, 242 and 214 Subpart C. Participants are asked to bring their copy of the ninth edition of the GCOR. Training will cover chapters 1-10, 14 and 15.
Registration is also open for four other ASLRRA in-person seminars, including:
The Association continues to finalize its 2026 in-person training schedule. Click here to view the current and planned schedule. ASLRRA will update its website with registration links and other details as they become available.
Several of ASLRRA’s in-person seminars are eligible for the Association’s scholarship program. The Doug Golden Scholarship awards up to $1,200 to small-railroad employees to cover registration fees and travel and lodging costs.
Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Click here to learn more about the scholarship and submit an application.
A comprehensive inspection using Loram’s Aurora Track Inspection Technology scans track to reveal the specific condition of every tie, providing a detailed report that pinpoints potential problems and marks their exact location.
As an ASLRRA Preferred Provider, Loram offers discount pricing on its Aurora Track Inspection Technology, enabling a railroad to streamline capital maintenance programs and helping ensure they are in line with industry regulations with compliance reports, while also allowing them to plan repairs in the most efficient way possible.
All ASLRRA Member Discount Program Preferred Providers are carefully vetted companies committed to providing discounted pricing, special offers and guaranteed exceptional services on a range of industry-specific products and services. Visit the Association’s Member Discount Program page to view all Preferred Providers and learn how Loram’s Aurora Track Inspection Technology can make railroad operations safer and more efficient.
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has published its five-year crossing safety improvement plan for fiscal years 2027-2031. The plan authorizes $376 million in funding for work at approximately 387 grade crossings.
According to ICC Chairman Douglas Scott, the funding will advance 21 new or reconstructed highway-rail grade separations, six new pedestrian-rail grade separations and 360 at grade crossing improvements or warning device upgrades.
The plan offers background information on the program, describes priorities for choosing projects to fund, lists projects by county for upcoming years and more.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans for the state to allocate $900 million in transportation funding, including for freight rail projects.
The California Transportation Commission will invest in multiple infrastructure projects. One notable project is the expansion of freight rail operations at the Port of Long Beach, which is served by ASLRRA member Pacific Harbor Line.
This section highlights ASLRRA members that have received Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, showcasing the importance of this funding and how benefits reach beyond the railroad itself.
If your railroad has received a CRISI grant and would like to submit information for this section please complete our online form.
Project Facts
Railroad: Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW)
Fiscal Year: 2023/2024
CRISI Grant: $20,714,004
Local Match: $5,178,501 (20%)
Total Project Cost: $25,892,505
Rail on the RRVW’s 3rd Subdivision was originally manufactured in the early 20th century and is well past its useful life. Since 2018, RRVW has identified and remediated 56 rail defects and six broken rails on this 25-mile section of track, a rate of 2.48 defects per mile. RRVW is also regularly forced to hold long grain trains in Casselton due to the increase in rail traffic handled by RRVW as well as disruptions on other rail networks. This results in delayed shipments and the immediate loss of traffic to trucks as soybean processors ship in grain by truck to continue operations.
SECURE will solve these deficiencies by installing 25 miles of modern continuous welded rail (CWR) to eliminate rail defects and the threat of derailments. SECURE will also build two new sidings near Casselton to increase holding space for trains to allow major customers to continue to be served. Benefits will include avoiding diversion of thousands of trucks to local roads, reduced emissions, improved track safety and increased rail operational efficiency.
Notable Quotes
“RRVW is moving long and heavy trains of grain in this 25-mile section over steel rail that is between 94 and 124 years old. The SECURE Project will replace the century-old rail with newer and more modern rail. This will greatly reduce rail defects and derailments and increase safety and reliability. SECURE will also install two new rail sidings near the RRVW's Casselton, ND, connection to BNSF. These two new sidings will decrease congestion as trains are interchanged between BNSF and RRVW, thereby increasing capacity, reliability, and efficiency for RRVW customers.”
?Ronald J. Henke, PE, Director, North Dakota Department of Transportation
Those who missed yesterday’s online presentation celebrating winners of the 2026 Women of Influence in Rail awards can now view a recording of the Progressive Railroading magazine event.
ASLRRA Senior Vice President, Safety, Regulatory and Environmental Policy Jo Strang was one of this year’s winners in the award’s leadership category. During the event, Strang also participated in a moderated panel discussion with influential leaders in rail.
Today, Chuck Baker was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to attend Conrail’s 50th anniversary celebration. The railroad was formed on April 1, 1976, when six bankrupt railroads came together to form the Consolidated Rail Corporation.
Conrail President Brian Gorton spoke during an event celebrating the railroad's 50th anniversary. Surface Transportation Board Chair Patrick Fuchs (seated) also participated.
The Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) Edward Hinsberger presented a series of three webinars discussing railroad retirement eligibility and benefits. All three webinars are available to ASLRRA members online at any time in the Association’s On-Demand Webinar Library. Members can also browse the over 200 other recordings available.
While these recordings are available online, ASLRRA will also offer an in-person education session titled “Know Your RRB Benefits” at its Annual Conference later this month. The RRB’s Justin Vandervegt will be the session speaker. The RRB will also have a booth in the conference Exhibition Hall, where attendees can speak directly with agency representatives. Click here to register for the conference.
ASLRRA maintains an industry calendar featuring events that may be of interest to members. If you have an industry event you would like included on the calendar and possibly in Views & News, please send relevant event details and links to Mariel Takamura for consideration.
R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Justin Broyles and Patriot Rail CEO Brandy Christian will join other industry leaders in speaking at Railway Age magazine’s Young Professionals virtual seminar on April 23.
This event, now in its fourth year, offers “practical advice on career advancement for early- and mid-career professionals across the freight, passenger, and supply sectors.” Discussion will center upon such topics as leadership style, critical hard and soft skills and preparing oneself for career moves.
Registration is free, but required, for the event. Click here to go directly to the registration page.
Railway Age magazine continues to accept nominations for this year’s 10 Most Influential Industry Leaders. The nomination period closes April 8.
Selected by Railway Age subscribers, these individuals are those considered to be the single-most influential active (non-retired) person in the industry. Follow the link above to learn more or access a nomination form.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
