Congressman Kildee Announces $7.8 Million Federal Grant to Continue Mid-Michigan Railroad Infrastructure Enhancements

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced a federal grant to Lake State Railway to build railroad track infrastructure and safety enhancements throughout mid-Michigan. This is in addition to the $8.6 million federal grant to improve Lake State Railway’s railroad infrastructure given in June 2019.

The $7,875,770 federal grant, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, will help Lake State Railway invest in its Huron Subdivision. From its headquarters in Saginaw, Lake State Railway operates hundreds of miles of track stretching from Saginaw to Gaylord and Alpena, Mich. down to Plymouth. These lines also run through Bay City, Midland, and Flint. By connecting all these cities across Mid-Michigan, the company helps Michigan businesses and farmers ship their products across the America and the world.

“Continued improvement to Michigan’s infrastructure, including our railways, is vital to growing our economy. This federal grant will help to improve our infrastructure to help Michigan-made products be distributed around the world.” Congressman Kildee said. “I am proud to help announce this federal grant to help Lake State Railway make much-needed infrastructure and safety updates to our rail system.”

Congressman Kildee has supported improving Michigan’s infrastructure, including roads bridges, water systems and railroads, since his election to Congress. Kildee has previously helped to secure federal grants to improve railways and replace lead pipes in water systems. Recently in 2019, Congressman Kildee also announced an $8 million federal grant to improve Bishop Airport’s primary runway.