The Ontario Midland Railroad has received $11.2 million in federal funds to upgrade its rail infrastructure in Wayne County, New York, in a project that aims to increase the reliability of freight and improve transportation links for agricultural and manufacturing businesses across the region.
The railroad, along with U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, announced the Wayne County Mainline Safety and Reliability Project on October 19. It will concentrate on rehabilitation of about 10 miles of track along the short line’s east-west corridor.
The work will consist of replacing about nine miles of rail, resurfacing eight grade crossings and installation of seven new turnouts with removal of three. Additional work will include ballast placement, tamping and surfacing to address deteriorating infrastructure and improve operating conditions.
Goals for Federal Funding Freight Efficiency and Rail Safety
The award came through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, which funds rail infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements across the country.
For Ontario Midland, the investment is focused on upgrades to aging track infrastructure, improving the efficiency of freight movements and strengthening the railroad’s contribution to regional economic development.
Brian Pincelli, executive director of Wayne County Economic Development and Planning, said the money will be used to completely overhaul the east-west corridor of the railroad, replacing old infrastructure with new crossties and rail.
These upgrades are especially important for businesses that depend on reliable rail transportation to move agricultural products, industrial materials and manufactured goods.
Ontario Midland Regional Freight Network
Ontario Midland Railroad hauls freight locally in Wayne and Monroe Counties, including communities on the east side of the Rochester metro area. The railroad connects with CSX in Newark, allowing shipments to be moved between its local network and the larger freight rail system.
Short Line has been in the region since 1979 and helps connect local shippers to national rail transportation networks.
“At this time, Ontario Midland Chairman Robert Babcock and President Jeffrey Bauman jointly thanked Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support in securing the 2025-2026 grant. The federal money was lauded as a big step forward for the railroad, which said it would allow the company to keep its operations safe and reliable and spur economic growth in the communities it serves.
New York Railroads to Get Combined $20.8 Million Injection
Ontario Midland’s award is part of $20.8 million in CRISI funding announced for two regional railroads: Ontario Midland Railroad and Falls Road Railroad.
The Falls Road Railroad is getting about $9.6 million to rebuild infrastructure along about 40 miles of track between Brockport and Lockport, N.Y.
It’s project will include the replacement of rails and ties, rehabilitation of bridges and resurfacing of six grade crossings.
Both investments are expected to enhance regional freight rail infrastructure and strengthen the transportation networks that serve businesses throughout the region.
Supporting supply chains and relieving road freight pressure
The funding is also expected to bring wider transportation and economic benefits. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand say the infrastructure upgrades will help strengthen regional supply chains, reduce truck traffic and fuel consumption.
The projects are intended to enhance the reliability of short-line rail service to support freight rail-dependent businesses and to help maintain efficient connections to local industries and the regional transportation system.
For Ontario Midland, the grant is a chance to upgrade aging infrastructure and ensure the reliability of a freight corridor that has served the region for decades. The proposed upgrades could help maintain reliable rail access to agricultural and manufacturing operations for local shippers.
