Rail Commission approves assistance for 2 rail rehabilitation projects in Ohio
On Jan. 22, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (Rail Commission) approved two projects for grant funding at its bi-monthly meeting. These projects will result in nearly $400,000 in rail infrastructure investment serving companies in the State of Ohio.
The Rail Commission approved a $120,000 grant to Ann Arbor Railroad for the rehabilitation of the grade crossing at Chrysler Drive (DOT #000801T) on the spur line serving the Jeep plant in Lucas County, Toledo. The total project investment is estimated at $240,000.
This project will greatly improve safety for the traveling public, improve the safety and efficiency of railroad operations and reduce delays caused by current track conditions. Both the rail line and Chrysler Drive already see a significant amount of rail and vehicular traffic, and with a recent announcement of a new mid-size truck assembly launching, this line could generate substantially more rail traffic within the next few years.
AluChem of Jackson, Inc. was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Rail Commission to assist with the reactivation of a second track located at the AluChem facility in Jackson County, City of Jackson. The project repairs will bring an unusable spur at the company site back into service.
As a result of this project, AluChem will gain additional storage capacity that will help improve on-time performance and prevent the need to ship product via truck. The total project investment is estimated at $150,000.
In addition to the rail rehabilitation projects, the Rail Commission approved funding for Ohio Operation Lifesaver’s 2026 Education Grant. The funding will be used to conduct a safety campaign with Cleveland’s NBC affiliate (WKYC Channel 3) from July through September 2026. The campaign will air Public Service Announcements (PSAs) during evening newscasts, show display ads on WKYC.com, and will air PSAs on the WKYC streaming app.
In addition, the grant funding will assist with the purchase of educational materials for first responders and the general public and for Operation Lifesaver’s booth at the 2026 Ohio State Fair. Over the past five years, the majority of crashes that occurred at crossings were at locations already protected by lights and gates, so safety education is key in helping to reduce those incidents.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, said, “The projects approved by the Rail Commission illustrate these companies’ commitment to safety and demonstrate the importance of rail service to Ohio companies. Promoting safe and efficient rail operations is critical to our mission, so we are happy to partner with these companies who share that goal.”
The Ohio Rail Development Commission assists Ohio communities, companies and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. The Rail Commission also funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety for the traveling public. Rail lines in Ohio are private property. Trespassing is both extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.