Massachusetts Industrial Rail Access Program

From the website...

Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Massachusetts Industrial Rail Access Program awards $2.85 million for freight rail projects

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Richard Davey and local officials highlighted this year's Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP) recipients operating in Massachusetts.

"As part of the Massachusetts State Rail Plan, we are focused on increasing access for freight rail service to support regional economic growth," said Lt. Gov. Murray. "By investing in these projects, we are upgrading the commonwealth's freight rail network, which will not only attract new business and jobs, but also promote a more efficient transportation of goods and services."

"Our team has closely vetted the recipient proposals to assure conformity with local and regional transportation plans, as well as economic development initiatives," said Secretary Davey. "We will monitor closely the completion and success of these projects."

The MassDOT Industrial Rail Access Program was created through the 2012 Transportation Bond Bill to provide grants to railroads, rail shippers and municipalities who identify a public benefit that will be gained through the improved use of the rail transportation network or that will facilitate economic growth through access to rail assets within the commonwealth.

The IRAP recipients reflect a wide range of projects, which meet the program objectives of improved use of the rail network while facilitating economic growth. The total amount awarded is $2.85 million; the matching funds listed are covered by each applicant.

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So MA is finally putting $ towards trains that have a real shot at making a positive economic difference??? Nothing against the good trains with the purple stripes.....theyre just not the whole rail scene in MA, but they seem to see most of the $. I'm so glad to see the freight railroading biz getting some subsidies for once. When you think about the private parcel delivery infrastructure, for instance, their trucks drive on public roads and their planes land on heavily subsidized airports, while the trains that move their cargo only ride on subsidized rails it seems when its shared with Amtrak. Although something like Amtrak was needed, it would have been better if it had benefited passenger and freight service. I'd rather see subsidized NS (or PAR, BNSF, etc..) passenger and freight trains that work together under private control. If it was possible to make a profit on passenger rail b/c of subsidies, you would likely see a very different infrastructure today. I doubt the trains would be as fast, but I think they would be more luxurious and exciting than anything we have today. Aside from commuter rail, all medium and long distance trains would operate more like cruise ships with ports of call, rather than a practical means of long distance transit.