Five Railroad Infrastructure Projects Receive Over $102 Million in Federal Funding With Support From Mullins Law Group

CRISI grants will fund track repairs, bridge rehabilitation, safety improvements, and expanded freight capacity across six states.

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Five railroad projects across the country have received more than $102 million in federal funding for improvements that will help keep freight moving safely and reliably. The projects include rebuilding aging bridges, replacing worn track, upgrading safety equipment, and expanding rail facilities to handle more freight.

Mullins Law Group PLLC, a Washington, D.C.-based railroad and transportation law firm, worked with the railroads to develop and submit the successful applications through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

The five projects are part of the FRA's recently announced $2.3 billion investment in freight and passenger rail infrastructure. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the program will fund improvements to more than 2,000 miles of railroad track nationwide.

"For many smaller railroads, projects like these are difficult to fund through normal operations alone," said William Mullins, Founder and Managing Partner of Mullins Law Group. "A bridge needs repair, track needs replacing, or a railroad needs more capacity to serve its customers. Federal grants can make those projects possible. We're glad we could help these railroads get the funding to do the work."

"Each application starts with understanding what the railroad needs and why the project matters," said Crystal Zorbaugh, Partner with Mullins Law Group and Grants and Infrastructure Practice Leader. "There is a tremendous amount of work involved in putting these applications together, and no two projects are alike. The best part is seeing that work lead to improvements that will benefit the railroad and its customers for years to come."

Projects Receiving Funding

Border Pacific Railroad Company — $6,381,000

Border Pacific Railroad will rehabilitate approximately six miles of track and 27 curves between Rio Grande City and Mission, Texas. The work will address track conditions along the route and support safer, more reliable freight service.

"We're excited to receive this federal funding and move forward with improvements to a critical rail connection between the western Rio Grande Valley, the Gulf Coast, and the rest of the country. We're grateful to Congressman Cuellar, Senators Cruz and Cornyn, State Representative Ryan Guillen, County Judge Eloy Vera, and Bobby Babcock and his staff for their support. Border Pacific had pursued CRISI funding twice previously. With the support of our elected officials and Mullins Law Group's help in strengthening and advancing our application, we thankfully were successful on our third attempt," said Robert Vale, Vice President of Trade Development at Starr Camargo Bridge Co.

Appalachian & Ohio Railroad, Inc. — $25,665,640

The Mountain State Rail Resiliency Project in West Virginia will rehabilitate 20 bridges, replace sections of rail, and install wayside equipment defect detection technology. The improvements will address aging infrastructure and help identify equipment problems before they lead to more serious safety issues.

Sierra Northern Railway — $26,810,650

Sierra Northern Railway's Central Valley Freight Rail Triangle Project in California will add yard and switching tracks, build a new intermodal terminal, upgrade signals at five grade crossings, and expand the Willowood Overcrossing.

The project is expected to double the facility's railcar handling capacity, allowing the railroad to accommodate more freight and support businesses throughout the Central Valley.

"These results reflect the confidence I place in Crystal Zorbaugh and the Mullins Law Group team to navigate complex federal funding initiatives and deliver for Sierra Northern Railway," said Kennan Beard III, President and CEO of Sierra Northern Railway. "Our longstanding collaboration continues to advance strategic investments that strengthen our railroad, support our growth, and improve critical rail infrastructure."

Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc. — $18,372,432

The railroad will replace approximately 34 miles of continuous welded rail and ties along its corridor between Paducah and Louisville, Kentucky. The work will address deteriorating track conditions, reduce derailment risk, and improve freight service along the route.

Evansville Western Railway, Inc. — $25,168,800

Funding will support track and infrastructure improvements across southern Indiana and southern Illinois. The project will improve rail safety and operations while supporting agricultural and industrial freight moving through the region.

Additional Grant Support

In addition to these five projects, Mullins Law Group provided application reviews, compliance guidance, and strategic support for three other successful CRISI applications involving its client, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company.

The firm also works with railroads on the regulatory and legal requirements that follow federal grant awards as projects move toward construction.

About Mullins Law Group PLLC

Mullins Law Group PLLC is a Washington, D.C.-based law firm representing clients in railroad and transportation matters, including federal grant programs, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure projects.

For more information, visit mullinslawgroup.net.

Mullins Law Group PLLC
Washington D.C.