BELLE CHASSE, La. – The New Orleans & Gulf Coast Railway has been awarded an $8.2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant will support safety improvements on the 32-mile railroad based in Belle Chasse.
“This federal investment will enhance rail safety on the Westwego and Belle Chasse subdivision, while also stimulating the local economy and adding jobs to the area,” said Tres Meyer, VP of operations overseeing the NOGC.
The grant, combined with matching private funds from the Rio Grande Pacific Corporation, will rehabilitate two moveable, vertical-lift bridges over the Intercoastal Waterway and Harvey Canal, replace embedded rail on a road in Gretna, La. and pay for upgrades to the infrastructure across the 32-mile railroad. Also included within the grant is funding to provide first responder training for local, parish and federal agencies. This project will increase safety and reliability across Jefferson, Orleans and Plaquemines parishes.
The Department of Transportation announced the recipients of the 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant on Sept. 23.
