Posted On: October 26, 2026

Source: U.S. Rep. David Kustoff; Thunderbolt Radio; Radio NWTN

Photo illustration: West Tennessee Industrial Association

• West Tennessee Railroad awarded $20.3 million through the Federal Railroad Administration's CRISI Program
• Replaces rail, ties and turnouts, extends an interchange siding, and rehabilitates 25 at-grade crossings
• Strengthens freight rail infrastructure across Obion, Weakley, Gibson, Madison, Chester and McNairy counties

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – U.S. Rep. David Kustoff announced Oct. 26 that the West Tennessee Railroad has been awarded $20.3 million for the West Tennessee Rail Modernization Project through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.

The project will replace rail and ties, rehabilitate 25 at-grade crossings, replace turnouts and extend an interchange siding to eliminate existing speed restrictions and reduce the risk of derailments. The upgrades will improve freight rail infrastructure serving Obion, Weakley, Gibson, Madison, Chester and McNairy counties, including lines running through Milan, Jackson, Humboldt, Dyer, Trenton and Henderson.

“Reliable freight rail service is essential to the economic success of West Tennessee,” Rep. Kustoff said. “Our farmers and manufacturers depend on these rail connections to get their products to market, and this investment will make freight service safer and more efficient. I am pleased to have helped secure this significant funding for our region, and I thank Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink for recognizing the importance of this project to West Tennessee.”

The funding builds on West Tennessee Railroad’s 2024 CRISI grant, which is now entering construction. Together, the investments will strengthen the long-term safety and reliability of freight rail service across West Tennessee.

###