Rochelle was awarded a $3.42 million grant through the federal Economic Development Administration.
It's expected to provide about half the funds to expand the City of Rochelle Railroad further into Lee County.
SaukValley.com reports the work centers around two projects. The first would build a bridge over a Johns Creek Tributary and lay three lines of track along the BNSF main line (each traveling south about 3,200 feet). The other project would expand the city’s switch yard with about 4,000 feet of rail, opening up further development east toward Interstate 39.
Officials hope local rail access will prompt industrial development, particularly in 1,100 acres set aside for the Lee-Ogle Enterprise Zone.
