Peace Garden News

The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted $20,714,004 to the Red River Valley & Western Railroad Company for safety improvements under the Safety Enhancements and Capacity Upgrades for Reliability and Efficiency (SECURE) Project. The funding is provided through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.

This grant will replace 25 miles of century-old rail on RRVW’s 3rd Subdivision between Gwinner and Oakes. Additionally, two new sidings will be constructed to hold trains near Casselton.

The upgrades are expected to enhance safety and improve the transportation of grain and other commodities for producers in North Dakota, thereby strengthening the state's agricultural supply chain. For many communities in North Dakota, RRVW serves as their only connection to the national rail network.

“North Dakota is an export-driven economy, and our commodities need safe, reliable rail service to get goods to market,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “Red River Valley & Western’s network is a critical artery for agriculture producers in Eastern North Dakota and this investment will improve the service it provides.”

In May, members of the North Dakota Delegation wrote a letter supporting the project to DOT. Earlier this year, Senator Cramer led efforts urging continued funding for the CRISI program. The delegation also assisted RRVW in securing CRISI funds in 2023 to support rail service at a new soybean crushing facility in Casselton.