InvestigationSeptember 16, 2026
WisDOT Program Expanded Grants to Railroads Decades After 1988 WRRTC Award
In 1988, WRRTC received $4294337.00 under Wisconsin's Freight Railroad Preservation Program for rail rehabilitation. Decades later, program records show over $326 million awarded statewide and recent policy changes opening direct eligibility to Class I and private carriers.
Source award
WRRTC — $4,294,337 from WI-FRPP, FY1988.
Sources (5)
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/frpp.aspx
“In 1992, the original rail assistance grant program was replaced by the current FRPP program, which provides assistance funding to local units of government, industries, and railroads for the purpose of preserving essential rail lines and rehabilitating them following purchase.”
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/frpp.aspx
“Since 1980, under both the original rail assistance funding program and FRPP, more than $326 million in grants have been awarded for rail acquisition and rehabilitation projects.”
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/frpp.aspx
“In the fall of 2024, WisDOT adopted a Freight Rail Preservation Program (FRPP) policy revision.”
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/frpp.aspx
“WisDOT is expanding eligibility to accept FRPP award solicitations from privately owned railroads for improvement projects.”
- https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/frpp.aspx
“Yes, WisDOT will now accept FRPP funding requests made by Class I and other privately owned railroads for improvement projects in Wisconsin.”
Included free
Read the full investigation.
Subscribe to the free newsletter and you'll get this and every future investigation in full.
Subscribe — free