OKC Standard

Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma has expressed approval for newly announced grants aimed at reducing railway congestion in the state. The funding is intended to address issues related to blocked railroads, which can disrupt emergency services and daily commutes.

"Oklahomans know how vital rail service is to our economy, but trains should not block an ambulance or prevent us from getting to work or school on time. These new grants will increase safety and access for each affected community," stated Lankford.

The senator was instrumental in securing this financial support by advocating through letters sent to US Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose. These communications emphasized the necessity of each project involved.

The awarded grants will benefit various projects: $25.4 million is allocated for the Occupied Crossing Mitigation Project in Davis, Oklahoma; $1.2 million for the Mannford Railroad Crossing Planning Project aimed at improving Basin Road Connection; $400,000 for the Prioritizing Crossings to Save Lives in Central Oklahoma Project; and $424,000 for Claremore Rail Corridor Revitalization focused on enhancing mobility and safety.