Sewell announces $27M grant to modernize rural rail infrastructure in the Black Belt
The funding targets track repairs, signal upgrades and safer crossings across key freight corridors in Alabama and Mississippi.
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, on Friday announced a $27 million federal grant to improve rail infrastructure and support job creation in the Black Belt and Gulf Coast region.
"I am thrilled to announce that we have secured $27 million in federal funding to modernize the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway," Sewell said. "That means safer, more efficient rail service and more job opportunities for communities across the Black Belt. This investment builds on the $15.8 million in rail grants that we secured for the Black Belt in 2023, and it will be especially beneficial for Monroeville, Pine Hill, Linden, Demopolis, Boligee, and Pickensville."
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Alabama!" Sewell said. "I was proud to vote for this transformational legislation, and I will keep fighting to bring more opportunities home to our district."
The award comes through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, known as CRISI. The project was selected for project development, final design and construction. It includes track rehabilitation and improvements on the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway and the Eastern Alabama Railway in Alabama and Mississippi.
The work will include replacing rail, ties, turnouts and ballast; leveling and aligning track; modernizing signals and communications; rehabilitating 34 at-grade crossings; and installing trespassing signs.
The CRISI program funds projects across the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency and reliability. It also aims to reduce congestion at passenger and freight rail bottlenecks, improve connections between modes of transportation and create or substantially improve intercity passenger rail corridors.
Federal law, 49 U.S.C. Section 22907, authorizes the program. Funding came through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Division A, Title XIII, Public Law 119-4; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, Division D, Title I, Public Law 119-75; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division J, Title II, Public Law 117-58.
Sewell's video message on the grant award is available here.
