(The Center Square) – The federal government is sending $15.2 million to Cathcart Rail, a private freight rail service, for Cornhusker Railroad upgrades.

The money will help fund the Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project to improve track, grade crossings and a railcar repair facility.

“The project involves final design and construction activities for track-related improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and expansion of the railcar repair facility,” a Department of Transportation press release said. “These activities will help modernize the Cornhusker Railroad and allow for safer and more efficient operations, such as improving the short line’s interchanging of trains with two Class I railroads. Cathcart Rail, LLC will provide a 20% non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.”

The rail funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It is one of 70 rail improvement projects the department awarded funding to this week; those 70 projects will receive more than $1.4 billion combined.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently visited the Cathcart facility in Grand Island and said the funding will benefit the region.

“This is a railway that is clearly so important to businesses and agricultural producers near here, connecting them to other lines that connect them to the entire country,” Buttigieg said, according to WOWT.

Buttigieg also praised President Joe Biden for ratifying the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing funding for these rail projects.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are making historic investments in rail, which means fewer accidents and delays, faster travel times, and lower shipping costs for the American people,” Buttigieg said. “These projects will make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of communities where railroads are located and strengthening supply chains for the entire country.”