This is accomplished by awarding non-interest bearing loans that fund up to 90% of eligible project costs and have a repayment period of up to 10 years. MiRLAP is a competitive program with an annual call for projects; this year there is approximately $4.8 million available for qualifying projects.

MiRLAP funding has been awarded for preservation projects such as rebuilding railroad grade crossings, rehabilitating railroad track and railroad bridges, and replacing a collapsed railroad bridge. Other projects receiving MiRLAP funding have included infrastructure improvements, construction of rail spurs, and the purchase of a portion of a rail line to ensure its preservation.

Railroads, local governments, economic development corporations and current or potential users of freight railroad services are eligible to apply for loan funds. Loans are limited to $1,000,000 per project (and per applicant) and the project must be for work scheduled for construction within one year. All loans must be approved by the State Transportation Commission and the State Administrative Board. This generally takes 60 - 90 days after applications are evaluated.

Applications for this year's call for projects, together with supporting documentation, must be received no later than 5:00 P.M., February 5, 2009.

See below for additional information and application forms.

For questions concerning this program, please contact:
Kathleen Grover (517) 373-1321 groverk@michigan.gov