King Milling used a Freight Economic Development Program grant and G&W subsidiary Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad (GRE) used a Michigan Rail Enhancement Program grant to upgrade rail infrastructure that G&W reported via social media “supported increased freight rail traffic for King Milling’s recent flour milling expansion project” in Lowell, part of Kent County. GRE’s $2.5 million grant went toward tie and ballast replacement, track surfacing, and bridge improvements.
The event included a tour of the flour mill, which the short line holding company said was “impressive”—both in terms of technology and “meticulous cleanliness.” The partners also discussed how their investments “are strengthening supply chains, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing freight efficiency across the region.”
Also participating were representatives from the Michigan DOT, local government, and the Michigan Agri-Business Association.
According to G&W, the flour mill was constructed in 1890 and linked to rail in 1899. The rail line was originally part of the Pere Marquette Railroad (an antecedent of CSX and Lake State Railway), “a legacy of rail supporting Michigan industry for over a century.”
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a success!” G&W concluded in its social media post.
