Freight Economic Development (Rail Freight) Grants

The Michigan Department of Transportation's Freight Economic Development Program (FEDP) helps connect new or expanding businesses to Michigan's rail system. The program's goal is to enhance the viability of Michigan's rail system by facilitating its use.

Applicants must own, hold an easement, have a long-term lease, or otherwise control the property on which improvements are proposed. Applicants can be rail customers or entities, like local units of governments and railroads, that control the property and are undertaking the project to provide access to a rail customer.

Eligible projects include the installation or rehabilitation of rail-customer infrastructure, such as turnouts, track, ties, ballast, and related permanently affixed equipment like unloading pits. Projects must generate additional rail volume to the state's rail system. Ineligible work items include engineering and car movers.

Applications are accepted at any time. Projects are evaluated based on public benefits, such as increased rail volumes, job creation, job retention, public safety, and impact to the local economy relative to costs. Completed applications should be submitted to the Freight Economic Development Project Manager.