Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Make Railroad Infrastructure Improvements in Upton
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
June 9, 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced today that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the Upton Economic Development Board of Upton, Wyoming, to construct a railroad track needed to support a cleaning and rail repair facility at the Upton Logistics Park. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 200 jobs and spur $1.4 million in private investment.
“The Trump Administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but also to creating new opportunities through infrastructure improvements,” said Secretary Ross. “I look forward to seeing how this railroad improvement project will help local businesses grow and thrive.”
The project will help to install 11,000 feet of railroad track and 14 turnouts to facilitate storage of rail cars at the new car cleaning and repair facility. There is high demand for rail cars to be cleaned and repaired in Upton, with more than 1 million rail cars passing through the park every year.
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.