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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million to Boost Commercial Rail Capacity in Indiana

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, July 7, 2014


WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the city of Madison, Indiana, to upgrade critical railroad infrastructure to support increased commerce.

“The Obama Administration is committed to improving our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both creating jobs and remaining competitive in today’s global economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grant announced today will help Madison make railroad infrastructure upgrades necessary to both grow local businesses and attract new business to the region.”

The current 70-pound track in the railway system is insufficient for heavier rail cars, which has caused pricing issues and inhibited the ability of the city to receive products. By upgrading to 115-pound track, Madison’s Meese Orbitron Dunne, a plastics design and manufacturing company, will be able to expand its product line. According to the grantee, this expansion will create 15 new jobs and save an existing 110 jobs. Meese is dependent upon the rail system for distribution of its products and materials and has already invested $6 million toward the expansion. The grantee also predicts that the increased capacity of the railroad will assist with future economic development for the region.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.