Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $16,207,000 through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to the City of Columbia, Missouri.

The funding will support the COLT Railroad Modernization Program, a vital initiative to upgrade the 21.4-mile Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT) connecting Columbia and Centralia. Rep. Alford strongly championed this project, helping to secure the grant funding through robust advocacy, including sending a formal letter of support with Rep. Bob Onder (MO-03) to the FRA.

"The COLT railroad is a critical economic lifeline for Mid-Missouri, connecting our local manufacturers, agricultural producers, and building materials suppliers to the national freight network," said Congressman Alford. "I was proud to lead the charge and help secure this grant to ensure our region remains at the cutting edge of transportation innovation. This major investment will modernize our infrastructure, enhance safety, and pioneer autonomous rail technology right here in Missouri—all while supporting local jobs and boosting our economic competitiveness."

Project Summary

The total cost of the COLT Railroad Modernization Program is $20,827,000, backed by $16,207,000 in federal CRISI funding and $4,620,000 in non-federal cost shares contributed by private sector partners and the City of Columbia. Key components of the project include:

• Autonomous Rail Technology Demonstration: Deploys self-propelled, autonomous railcar equipment to conduct the first documented demonstration of autonomous railcar operations on a regulated short line in the United States.
• Phased Operational Safety Framework: Establishes an FRA-approved test program, progressing safely from terminal switching to maintenance-of-way activities and full mainline revenue-service demonstrations across 57 at-grade crossings.
• Track and Infrastructure Upgrades: Procures and installs 36,000 sustainable, 100% American-made Evertrak composite rail ties, completes track tamping across approximately 6 miles of upgraded track, replaces three degraded turnout switches, and builds two Level 2 terminal charging units.
• Workforce Development: Develops a comprehensive workforce training curriculum for remote operators, field engineers, and maintenance technicians in partnership with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
• Economic and Safety Growth: Preserves and expands rail access for Mid-Missouri businesses along a corridor that generates $670 million in total sales, supports 243 jobs, and drives state and local tax revenue.

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