October 24, 2024

Manchin Announces $29.7 Million to Strengthen and Improve West Virginia Railroad Infrastructure

Charleston, WV – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $29,708,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for two railroad infrastructure projects in West Virginia. The funding will help complete critical repairs to the Winchester & Western Railroad and the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad.

“I’m pleased the Department of Transportation is awarding more than $29.7 million to improve service, safety and efficiency along the Winchester & Western and Belpre Industrial Parkersburg railroad lines,” said Senator Manchin. “The robust funding announced yesterday is a great investment in further connecting West Virginia communities, and I am confident that it will bring more visitors to our great state and spur substantial economic development. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources that strengthen and improve transportation infrastructure across the Mountain State.”

"PRIDE will be transformative for the West Virginia communities served by the Winchester and Western Railroad and the regions served by the Winchester and Western," said David Arganbright, OmniTRAX Senior Vice President. "OmniTRAX is proud to serve West Virginia, and we are tremendously appreciative of all the work that Sen. Manchin has done in Congress to champion West Virginia’s railways and deliver the critical infrastructure investments that make strengthen our nation’s supply chains.”

"The repairs of these iconic structures over the Ohio River will preserve rail connections for West Virginia and Ohio industries for the next generation and beyond," said Casey Cathcart, co-owner of BIP. "Sen. Manchin has been a great champion of rail transportation for West Virginia and we appreciate all of his efforts."

Individual awards listed below:

  • $22,796,000 – Winchester & Western Railroad (WWRR) Acquisition: Panhandle Rail Industrial Development Expansion Project
    • This funding will support final design and construction activities to rehabilitate segments of the WWRR mainline in West Virginia and Maryland to eliminate all remaining legacy rail and old tie structure.
  • $6,912,000 – Belpre Industrial Parkersburg (BIP) Railroad: BIP Railroad Regional Connectivity Improvements Project
    • This project will complete final design and construction activities to repair two bridges on the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg BIP Railroad in Ohio and West Virginia.