WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today obligated a $2.2 million grant for the City of Tavares, Fla., to help with upgrades along a 57-mile stretch of Florida Central Railroad (FCEN) track between Orlando and Umatilla, Fla. 

“President Obama has challenged us to build the kind of transportation infrastructure that businesses need and local communities want,” said Secretary LaHood.  “Improving rail service promotes economic growth as new rail shippers take advantage of faster and more reliable service.”

The funding from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Rail Line Relocation program is part of an $18.4 million undertaking that will include improvements to tracks, ties, bridges and grade crossings.  The railroad currently is only able to operate at 10 mph, but the improvements will allow it to travel at up to 25 mph. 

“Investing in freight rail means moving the economy better and faster,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph. C. Szabo. “This will not only stimulate the local economy because of better transportation options, it will help reduce congestion on local roads as good are shipped on cost-effective rail.

The project is a joint effort between FCEN; the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization; Metroplan Orlando; the Florida Department of Transportation; the Cities of Tavares, Eustis, Umatilla, Mount Dora, Apopka, Winter Garden, Ocoee and Orlando, and Orange and Lake counties.  Together, they are funding the $16.2 million non-federal share of the project cost. 

Construction is expected to begin in July 2013.