Short Lines Seek Piece of Fund

The nation’s small railroads will ask Congress next year for money from the Highway Trust Fund for projects to improve their lines so they can handle heavier rail cars, said the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s president.

The effort faces opposition from highway and other interests.

Frank Turner outlined the intentions of his organization during a March 26 speech to the National Press Club, noting the association is beefing up its lobbying effort to help pave the way.

The trust fund money would enable small and mid-sized railroads to test their tracks to determine whether they need to make improvements, he said.

Turner said small railroads are facing the problem of heavier rail cars, with those weighing 286,000 pounds rapidly replacing 263,000-pounders. Also, an increasing number of cars are tipping the scale at 316,000 pounds.

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