Overview

• The Railroads for National Defense program was established in July 1975 to ensure the U.S. civilian rail network could meet military transportation demands.
• Executive Director Ryan Samuelson and RND Chief Dan Zedack performed the traditional spike drive, symbolizing five decades of military rail support.
• Attendees included TEA Deputy Director Curt Zargan, Infrastructure Division Director Pete “Skids” Matthews and former RND Chief Dave Dorfman, highlighting institutional memory.
• The program’s evolution includes creation of the 41,300-mile Strategic Rail Corridor Network to connect 141 defense sites and guide infrastructure investments.
• Ongoing partnerships with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Surface Transportation Board and private rail carriers sustain rapid mobilization capabilities.