The Mississippi Export Railroad Company will receive more than $35 million for infrastructure improvements.
Congressman Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) announced Monday that the funding is coming through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. The Mississippi Export Railroad is a 42-mile short line freight railroad headquartered in Moss Point.
Ezell said the funding will support the Advancing Mississippi Export’s Resiliency, Infrastructure and Capacity Across the Network project, which will modernize and improve critical rail infrastructure in Moss Point and Helena. The project involves major rehabilitation and modernization of local railroads.
“Mississippi’s railroads play a critical role in connecting our ports, industries, and businesses to markets across the country. This investment will help modernize aging infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the reliability of freight transportation in South Mississippi,” Ezell said.
“By upgrading critical rail connections and making our infrastructure more resilient to flooding, we are supporting local industries, strengthening our supply chains, and laying the groundwork for continued economic growth along the Gulf Coast.”
The project includes multiple infrastructure improvements designed to enhance rail safety, efficiency, and reliability, including:
- Escatawpa River Swing Bridge: Modernizing and automating the 121-year-old bridge to improve operations and reliability.
- Mainline Track Improvements: Upgrading approximately 10 miles of mainline track to support higher operating speeds and reduce derailment risks.
- Rail Capacity Expansion: Constructing new rail siding to improve operational flexibility and network capacity.
- Grade Crossing Improvements: Improving 10 at-grade crossings to enhance rail safety.
- Flood Resilience: Raising tracks in flood-prone areas to reduce disruptions and strengthen the railroad’s ability to withstand severe weather.
The Mississippi Export Railroad Company will provide a 25% non-federal cost share toward the project, officials confirmed.