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Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently awarded $2 million in grants to several short lines to replace ties, install rail, lay ballast, and repair or rehabilitate bridges, according to American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.


Under a state program, ODOT provides grants for projects that enhance public safety, the environment or economic development; reduce demand for increased highway capacity; help Oregon companies become more competitive; preserve or enhance service to small communities or rural areas; and help secure or leverage federal financial assistance.


The short-line grants include:


• $300,000 to 449-mile Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad Inc. to purchase and install ties and ballast to improve 44 track miles on its Coos Bay line;

• $298,838 to Blue Mountain Railroad Inc. to purchase and install ties, repair two bridges, and improve track;

• $293,800 to 32-mile Willamette Valley Railway Co. to install ties, and replace six turnouts and two miles of rail;

• $265,000 to 21-mile Mount Hood Railroad to pay the credit premium on a $2 million Federal Railroad Administration loan for capital purchases, and to improve track and rehabilitate three bridges;

• $257,000 to 96-mile Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad to replace rail;

• $210,800 to 220-mile Portland & Western Railroad Inc. to install ties and ballast on its Hillsboro-Seghers line; and

• $156,000 to Albany & Eastern Railroad Co. to purchase and install ties.