Rail infrastructure projects often depend on strong partnerships and effective implementation strategies to turn federal grant funding into lasting improvements. State departments of transportation are key partners in many of these efforts, helping advance projects that improve rail efficiency, safety, reliability, and economic development. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Eastern that examined three projects funded through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program and the approaches that contributed to their successful implementation. Presenters discussed projects from a variety of geographies and contexts, highlighting the partnerships, strategies, project structures, and implementation approaches used to achieve successful outcomes.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Freight Rail Transportation and Supply Chain Reliability.
The slides are available. Please visit the webinar details page to access the recording.

Webinar agenda and presenters

• Huron Subdivision Revitalization Project – Sean Pengelly, Lake State Railway Company
• Port of Little Rock Freight Rail Capacity Improvement Project – Marsha Guffey, Little Rock Port Authority
• Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Park Access Project – Mel Odens, Kandiyohi County
• Question and answer session moderated by Amy Krouse, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Identify the benefits and impacts resulting from implemented CRISI-funded projects
• Describe the partnerships, strategies, project structures, and implementation approaches that contributed to successful project outcomes
• Explain how federal grant funding can support improvements to the nation’s rail transportation system

Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.