BNSF Railway (BNSF) is teaming up with local communities and public agencies to advance safety infrastructure projects throughout its network. The newly established Public Infrastructure and Investments team at BNSF is poised to aid eligible applicants in securing federal grants recently announced to enhance grade crossing safety nationwide.
French F. Thompson, BNSF’s general director of public infrastructure and investments, emphasized the company’s commitment to community connections and service spanning over 170 years. Thompson stated, “We believe in collaborating on infrastructure projects that enhance the safety, economic, and social well-being of our communities and networks.”
BNSF’s Public Infrastructure and Investments teams have a proven track record of partnering with public entities to secure substantial funding for essential infrastructure projects within the 28-state BNSF network.
In 2022, BNSF collaborated with the city of Flagstaff to secure funding through the USDOT Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) program. This initiative, part of the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program, supports the Flagstaff Downtown Mile Safety and Connectivity Improvements Project. The project aims to deliver a range of multimodal transportation safety enhancements, improvements to freight and passenger rail infrastructure, pedestrian safety upgrades, community connectivity improvements, and associated construction impact mitigations.
Christine Cameron, senior project manager of capital improvements for the city of Flagstaff, highlighted the significance of BNSF’s involvement, stating, “We wouldn’t have been able to make this project happen without BNSF coming to the table and utilizing their grant expertise to gain funding for a mutually beneficial project that connects our city’s neighborhoods.”
BNSF plays a pivotal role in assisting its partners by identifying available funding opportunities and guiding them through the grant application process for networks interfacing with the BNSF network. The BNSF Public Infrastructure and Investments team stands ready to support partners in project identification, the grant writing process, and securing letters of support to underscore the project’s importance.
To learn more about how to partner with BNSF to deliver successful infrastructure projects in your community, visit the newly launched Public Projects and Public Infrastructure and Investments page here, or reach out to [email protected].
About BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.