CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Federal funding is going toward rail upgrades in Cortland County. 

Rep. John Mannion says nearly $3.2 million was secured for the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railway Corporation. The funding will upgrade over four miles of freight rail track in Cortland County.

“Safe, reliable freight rail helps Cortland County businesses move their products to market and supports jobs across our region,” Mannion said. “I advocated for this funding because investing in our rail infrastructure strengthens our economy and improves safety for rail workers and the surrounding communities. These upgrades will reduce delays and help ensure the businesses that depend on this corridor have reliable service for years to come.” 

According to Mannion’s office, “the project will install continuous welded rail and new railroad ties and renew ballast and track surfacing between Cortland and Virgil, with improvements spanning Cortland, Cortlandville, and Virgil.”

“The upgrades will improve safety and reliability, eliminate sections where trains must slow down, reduce maintenance costs, and accommodate heavier freight cars,” Mannion’s office added.

The funding will come from the Federal Railroad Administration’s FY 2025–2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.