# FRA Awards Evansville-Okawville Rail Grant

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Evansville Western Railway a **$25.1 million** Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant for upgrades along approximately 124.5 miles of freight rail between Evansville, Indiana, and Okawville, Illinois. Work includes track improvements, safety detectors, a maintenance facility, and locomotive rehabilitation. A trade publication reported the award as $25.17 million. This is an announced funding award, not an open solicitation, but project delivery may generate subcontracting and supplier opportunities.

- Rail contractors and suppliers can assess potential demand for track work, signaling and safety equipment, locomotive rehabilitation, maintenance-facility construction, and related services.
- The funding supports a defined freight-rail corridor across Indiana and Illinois; firms serving either state may find relevant teaming or subcontracting opportunities as the recipient advances the work.
- The award is part of a CRISI funding round supporting 105 rail infrastructure projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia, indicating a broader pipeline of federally funded rail work.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

### Vendors
- Evansville Western Railway (grant recipient)
- Patriot Rail (CRISI grant awardee)

### Sources
- [Evansville Western Railway Gets $25.1M Federal Grant](https://hoodline.com/2026/10/25-1-million-federal-grant-to-rebuild-evansville-to-okawville-rail-line) - Hoodline