The US Department of Transportation (DOT) granted the state of West Virginia $1 million for the development of a state passenger and freight rail plan.
"This plan will help West Virginia identify rail lines that will best serve shippers and passengers well into the future," said Secretary LaHood. "It is an important part of the President's plan to win the future by targeting critical rail projects."
The US DOT's $1 million grant will be matched by West Virginia and will inventory existing freight and passenger rail lines in the state and analyze the potential for new freight, high-speed, intercity and commuter corridors.
"Planning for freight and passenger rail has been ignored for too many years, and state rail plans will create a sound basis for future, targeted investment," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "Such plans are all part of the President's long term vision to best use our railroads and create new opportunities for rail."