Washington, D.C. - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey along with Representatives Jim McGovern and Niki Tsongas announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2,376,682 grant for track improvements along the Providence and Worcester Railroad Company's Gardner Branch rail line in Central Massachusetts. The rail project will reduce the risk of derailments that could impact the drinking water supplied to the City of Worcester.

"This federal funding will support key improvements to our rail infrastructure in Central Massachusetts, benefiting our economy and improving the safety of communities along the rail line," said Senator Warren. "Transportation projects like this one are good for the Commonwealth's businesses and families, and that's why I'm glad to work with the other members of the congressional delegation to help secure critical federal infrastructure grants for Massachusetts." 

"When we rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, we strengthen our transportation system, our economy and our health. This grant will finance critical updates to the Gardner Branch rail line in Central Massachusetts that will improve safety, help protect drinking water supplies, while also supporting job creation in construction and engineering," said Senator Markey.

"A strong and growing Central Massachusetts economy starts with smart investments in transit and infrastructure. The Providence and Worcester Railroad has helped to keep our region's businesses connected for decades and this funding will provide a critical update to the Gardner Branch rail line," Congressman McGovern said. "This grant will help to keep our families safe and commerce flowing as our economy continues to grow. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for this support and look forward to this railroad continuing to keep our region connected and growing for years to come."

"With this rail line passing through many communities in central Massachusetts, enhancing overall safety is always an important endeavor. This federal funding, which aims at improving track conditions and bolstering track safety, is a win for the whole region. It is an example of strong partnerships at all levels of government, and I congratulate the stakeholders who helped make this project possible and look forward to working with them," said Congresswoman Tsongas.

"I am extremely grateful the Federal Railroad Administration has selected Providence and Worcester Railroad Company to receive $2.37 million in federal grant funding to rehabilitate approximately 12 miles of track along the Company's Gardner Branch located in central Massachusetts. This project will install new continuous welded rail and ties and enhance our ability to continue providing safe and efficient rail service to our customers, shippers, and the communities we serve," said P. Scott Conti, President and Chief Operating Officer, P&W Railroad.

More information about the grant is available here.

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