A $7 million federal grant will be used to rebuild the Presidio-Ojinaga International Rail Bridge and make repairs on the track that runs north to near Coleman, a news release stated.
The Texas Department of Transportation was awarded the grant as part of a public-private partnership to replace the bridge, which was closed in 2008 after a fire, and reconstruct 72 miles of track on the state-owned South Orient Rail Line.
The grant, announced Thursday, Aug. 3, is being hailed as a critical investment in the West Texas oil and gas industry by Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Tryon Lewis.
“The South Orient Railroad has become an increasingly important freight line for the agriculture and oil and gas industries in West Texas ... the improvements ... will allow enhanced freight opportunities for communities in Texas and between Texas and Mexico, with greater efficiency and safety,” Lewis said.
The South Orient Rail Line is a 391-mile line running from Presidio through San Angelo to just south of Coleman.
“The Presidio bridge is a critical project to increase jobs and investment in the Permian Basin and Texas’ oil and gas industry,” said Rep. Drew Darby, Chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee.
BY THE NUMBERS
391 — miles the South Orient Rail Line runs from Presidio to south of Coleman.
2008 — year Presidio-Ojinaga bridge closed after being damaged by fire, blocking one of seven rail gateways between the U.S. and Mexico.
72 — miles of track, bridge and draining improvement funded from the border to Alpine.
16.2 — amount of money - in millions - needed to complete the public-private rehabilitation of the South Orient Rail Line.
