Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $680,000 to Expand Freight Rail Access in Westfield

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a $680,000 Industrial Rail Access Program grant to John S. Lane & Son Inc., a Peckham Industries company operating the Westfield Quarry, to expand freight rail capacity, support local jobs and reduce truck traffic on Massachusetts roads. 

The project will rebuild and expand an existing industrial rail siding at the Westfield Quarry, allowing the company to increase freight rail shipments by approximately 1,700 railcars annually and eliminate an estimated 5,950 truck trips each year. The investment will also help retain 21 jobs. 

“Strong transportation infrastructure helps Massachusetts businesses grow, creates jobs and keeps our economy moving,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This investment will expand freight rail capacity in Westfield, support local jobs and take thousands of truck trips off our roads each year. We’re proud to partner with businesses that are investing in Massachusetts and creating economic opportunity in our communities.” 

“Investments like this strengthen our regional economies and help businesses grow in communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By improving freight rail access in Westfield, we’re supporting jobs, making it easier to move goods and reducing truck traffic on our roads.” 

“The Industrial Rail Access Program is a great example of how strategic transportation investments can strengthen communities and support economic opportunity across the state. The Healey-Driscoll administration continues to stay focused on investing in transportation infrastructure that supports businesses, creates jobs and improves quality of life for our businesses, residents and the general public who rely on our multimodal transportation network,“ shared Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. 

"Through our IRAP program, MassDOT has collaborated with businesses to enhance freight rail capacity and support economic growth," said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. "We are pleased to partner with John S. Lane & Son Inc. to continue this important work, which will improve freight operations, support local businesses, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions." 

The Industrial Rail Access Program is a competitive state-funded public-private partnership program that provides financial assistance to companies investing in rail infrastructure that directly increases use of the freight rail network and reduces regional truck traffic. Grant recipients are required to provide matching funds equal to at least 20 percent of eligible project costs. 

The Westfield Quarry project will improve access to the regional freight rail network by rebuilding  and expanding existing siding infrastructure. By shifting more freight from trucks to rail, the project is expected to improve freight efficiency, reduce roadway congestion and emissions and support continued operations and employment at the quarry. 

For more information about the Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP) please visit:  https://www.mass.gov/industrial-rail-access-program. 

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