City of Columbia awarded $3.2 million for railroad improvements

The City of Columbia Utilities was awarded $3.2 million for railroad improvements on September 18.

A press release from the city announced that the grant will go towards COLT Railroad infrastructure improvements in an effort to boost growth for commercial customers in the city and region.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration alongside a $800,000 match from the City of Columbia, which will allow a whopping $4 million to be invested in the commercial freight rail corridor.

The money will be used to improve 8.35 miles of track over 10 sections. One of the changes includes upgrading the 90-pound rails with a 115-pound rails. Crews will also replace defective railroad ties and make surface upgrades.

“These improvements will increase the resiliency and capacity of the railway and will allow the COLT Railroad to handle heavier loads for new and existing commercial customers,” said David Sorrell, director of the City of Columbia Utilities department. “The project will expand commercial freight opportunities, which will invite private investment in the City.”