Bergmann’s Rail Team Secures Transformative Grant For West Michigan Railroad

Bergmann, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is pleased to announce that the company’s rail grant writing team has helped secure nearly $8.7 million in funding for West Michigan Railroad (WMI). The funds were awarded under the FY21 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, part of a total of $368 million in grants announced by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

WMI is a regional short line railroad operating in southwest Michigan. Through the FY2021 CRISI program, the railroad will receive $8,697,910 in much-needed funds to improve about 10 miles of track. The money will support projects including rail and cross-tie replacements, reconstructed roadbeds and bridge and turnout repairs, and the rebuilding of approximately 5.6 miles of track, all of which will have a great impact on the surrounding community.

“This funding will allow us to rebuild our existing line to meet modern-day track standards and help us bring other companies to the area that want to invest in Van Buren County,” stated Mike Hnatiuk, from WMI. “There is a ton of industrial development opportunity here and we know we can help create and retain jobs by expanding rail. Our whole goal is to be a good partner and bring economic prosperity to the region. That’s what we care about.”

This award for WMI is among the top five in total value awarded to short line and regional railroads this year. This is especially notable, given the unprecedented number of applications and funding being sought, with 122 eligible applications requesting approximately $1.2 billion in funding.

“West Michigan Railroad plays a critical role in the movement of goods across their region, and we are incredibly pleased to have aided in the securement of these funds to support their operations and future growth,” stated Lucas Brewer, PE, project manager at Bergmann. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of short line and regional railroads to our nation’s supply chain. This funding, and future funds from the federal infrastructure bill, will make an incredible impact for decades to come.”

Over the last 15 years, Bergmann’s rail team has secured over $95 million in funding for railway clients across the nation. An industry leader and champion for short line railroads, Bergmann is one of just three firms identified by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) as a preferred provider of grant writing services.

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For over 40 years, Bergmann architects, engineers and planners have delivered results to clients across the United States and Canada. In late 2021, Bergmann joined Colliers Engineering & Design, forming a collective team of 1,800+ talented professionals in over 60 locations nationwide, who connect with partners and communities to create dynamic, creative solutions that stand the test of time, while promoting environmental and functional sustainability. Projects range from signature buildings and commercial developments to critical transportation infrastructure and community planning. For more information, visit www.bergmannpc.com.