Wednesday, July 01, 1998 (Washington, DC ) FRA Awards $1.45 Million to North Dakota To Repair Railroad Track Damaged in Spring Flooding

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced today the award of $1.45 million in additional Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) emergency funding for North Dakota.

"Safety is President Clinton’s highest transportation priority and these funds will help ensure that North Dakota’s railroads are safe after devastating floods," Secretary Slater said. "Small railroads are the economic lifeline to many rural communities and are a critical link in our national transportation system."

Because of the severity of continued flooding affecting the nation’s transportation system, President Clinton signed on May 1 the 1998 Supplemental Appropriations Act which includes $9.8 million to repair flood-damaged shortline and regional railroads. A total of $18.9 million was appropriated last year for the same purpose. North Dakota was the first state to submit a request for the current funding.

North Dakota has been granted a total of $9.2 million, including the additional funds announced today, to repair small railroad track damaged by the 1997 spring floods. In approving the grant, Administrator Molitoris applauded the North Dakota Department of Transportation and its director, Marshal W. Moore, for their continued leadership in addressing the needs of their shippers and railroads.

The funding will be used to install crossties, rail, anti-erosion embankments and ballast on the Northern Plains Railroad.