Freight Railroad Preservation Program
The Freight Railroad Preservation Program supports Wisconsin local governments, railroads, and freight rail users with corridor acquisition, rail banking, and infrastructure projects to preserve freight service.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Due Dates: February 1, 2027 (Track/bridge rehabilitation and track construction) | Rolling (Rail banking, acquisition for continued operation, substitute service)
Funding Amounts: Up to 80% of approved rehabilitation or construction costs; acquisition assistance depends on property type
Summary: Preserves Wisconsin freight rail service through rail-line acquisition, rail banking, rehabilitation, construction, and substitute-service projects.
Key Information: Improvements to non-mainline trackage are not accepted as standalone projects.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) administers the Freight Railroad Preservation Program to retain essential freight rail connections in Wisconsin. It supports acquisition of lines to continue service or preserve the opportunity to restore it, rehabilitation of tracks and bridges, and qualifying construction or substitute facilities when a line is abandoned. Local governments, freight rail users, and railroads—including privately owned and Class I railroads—may seek assistance for eligible projects.
WisDOT evaluates whether projects can deliver transportation-efficiency and broader public benefits. Rehabilitation is intended to restore specific track segments or bridges for freight operation; rail banking instead preserves a corridor for potential future service.
