The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded a $297,000 grant to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) to continue rail corridor planning, which may lead to the development of several high-speed rail corridors. The MWRRI member states will match the $297,000 grant.

MWRRI is a 3,000-mile system providing improved intercity passenger rail service that serves nine states with a combined population of 60 million people, using Chicago as a regional hub. The project includes an alternative routes analysis; system cost updates; equipment, train control and operational plans; and the preparation of public outreach materials.

The grant is made under FRA’s FY 2008 Capital Assistance to States – Intercity Passenger Rail Service Program. This is a separate authority from the grants for high-speed rail under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Guidance for competitive grants under the new authority is still under development.