Development group picks firm for eastern Utah rail project

An eastern Utah economic development group has selected an investment firm for a public-private partnership to finance and build a proposed rail line to provide freight service that would connect the Uintah Basin oil reserves with distant markets.

The Seven County Infrastructure Coalition said Friday that its board chose Drexel Hamilton Infrastructure Partners, LP for the Uinta Basin Railway project.

The coalition’s announcement said Drexel Hamilton will partner with Rio Grande Pacific Corp. to operate and maintain the new railroad.

According to its website, the coalition’s preferred route for the new railroad to connect with existing rail lines would extend westward from near Roosevelt to near Helper. Other possible routes include one extending eastward to near Craig, Colorado.

Member counties include Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, San Juan, Sevier, and Uintah.