Rep. Sewell Announces $27 Million Grant to Modernize Rural Rail Infrastructure in the Black Belt

This press release from Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) was published on 2026-10-16 and titled "Rep. Sewell Announces $27 Million Grant to Modernize Rural Rail Infrastructure in the Black Belt".

Rep. Sewell Announces $27 Million Grant to Modernize Rural Rail Infrastructure in the Black Belt

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced a $27 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant award to improve rail infrastructure and boost job creation in the Black Belt and Gulf Coast region. Watch Rep. Sewell's video message here . "I am thrilled to announce that we have secured $27 million in federal funding to modernize the Alabama Gulf Coast Railway," said Rep. Sewell. " That means safer, more efficient rail service and more job opportunities for communities across the Black Belt. This investment builds on the $15.8 million in rail grants that we secured for the Black Belt in 2023, and it will be especially beneficial for Monroeville, Pine Hill, Linden, Demopolis, Boligee, and Pickensville." " The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Alabama!" continued Sewell . "I was proud to vote for this transformational legislation, and I will keep fighting to bring more opportunities home to our district." The proposed project was selected for Project Development, Final Design, and Construction and includes track rehabilitation and improvement on the Alabama Gulf Coast Railway and the Eastern Alabama Railway in Alabama and Mississippi. The project will replace rail, ties, turnouts, and ballast, surface the track, modernize signals and communications, rehabilitate 34 at-grade crossings, and install trespassing signage. The purpose of the CRISI Program is to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support the more efficient movement of both people and goods; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved intercity passenger rail transportation corridors. The CRISI Program is authorized by 49 U.S.C. 22907, and funds were made available by Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Div. A Tit. XIII, Pub. L. No. 119-4 (2025 Appropriation); the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, Div. D Tit. I Pub. L. No. 119-75 (2026 Appropriation); and Division J, Title II of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Pub. L. No. 117-58 (2021). ###