Ohio rail commission seeks applications for crossing upgrade funding

The Ohio Rail Development Commission is accepting applications to its Orphan Rail Crossing Program.

Recently approved in the state's transportation bill (HB 33), the program provides $1 million to address repairs and improvements to crossings that are no longer used, abandoned by the railroad or are currently active but have no clear ownership or responsible party for maintenance, ORDC officials said in a press release.

Project applications will be reviewed on an individual basis and evaluated based on community and railroad concurrence on the proposed project. The program will require the funding recipient to accept long-term maintenance responsibility for the asset after project completion.

"While our goal is to preserve and encourage rail use, we understand that it is not possible in all situations," said ORDC Executive Director Matthew Dietrich. "We are grateful to have these resources to take care of long-term issues for communities."