Florida Central Railroad: From Application to Obligation
Mickelson & Company partnered with Florida Central Railroad (FCEN) to secure and deliver a $7.3 million Federal Railroad Association (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to modernize Central Florida’s freight network.
As one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, Central Florida faced rising freight demand on aging Class I track. Mickelson & Company guided Regional Rail from concept through federal obligation—developing the grant narrative, benefit-cost analysis, budget, and attachments, and coordinating directly with the FRA through review and approval.
After the award, our team led FCEN through obligation and compliance, prepared the Project Management Plan (PMP), and continues to support reporting and ongoing grant administration to keep the project on schedule and within budget.
The project—Addressing Increasing Traffic Demands through Infrastructure Enhancements in Central Florida—will upgrade 50 miles of track with 44,000 new ties, turnout replacements, and a new crossover at Modello Yard in Orlando. The improvements will elevate 80 percent of the line to Class II standards, cut train blockages at Princeton Street in half, and enhance reliability for shippers like Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Lowe’s, and Advanced Drainage Systems.
“Mickelson & Company has been instrumental from day one—from crafting a competitive application to helping us navigate the federal process,” said Pete Petree, Vice President of Strategic Projects at Regional Rail. “Their expertise allowed us to move seamlessly from concept to award to now implementation.”
Through strategic grant development, federal coordination, and hands-on administration, Mickelson & Company helped FCEN turn a strong project idea into a fully funded, federally obligated infrastructure investment that strengthens Central Florida’s freight network for years to come.
To learn more, reach out to our Grants Expert, Justin Bentaas, at justin@mickco.com or 605-977-4873 ext. 6.