Stay connected with ARDA through our newsletter archive. Each issue features a spotlight article from one of our five sections, along with updates on upcoming events and key happenings within the organization. Our newsletters provide valuable insights and keep you informed about the latest news and developments in the railway industry. Explore past editions to discover how ARDA continues to support the growth and innovation of rail professionals.
June 2025 Featured Article
Site Readiness for Rail-Served Industrial Development
Section: Real Estate
Author: David LaPlante
Summary
This article explores Union Pacific Railroad’s extensive Mineral Rights portfolio, which includes oil, gas, and other subsurface resources across 23 states. It highlights the historical foundation of UP’s holdings, the role of the UP Minerals Team, and the ongoing management of leases, royalties, and industry partnerships that support this unique aspect of the railroad’s real estate operations.
May 2025 Featured Article
Site Readiness for Rail-Served Industrial Development
Section: Economic Development
Author: Bill Merritt
Summary
This article explores the critical role of rail access in industrial site selection and development. It highlights key engineering and operational considerations—such as site layout, grading, infrastructure needs, and long-term efficiency—that determine a location’s suitability for rail-served logistics. By following best practices and engaging early with railroads, developers can reduce costs, minimize delays, and ensure scalable site readiness.
April 2025 Featured Article
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Grants: Getting ahead of the NEPA Process
Section: Environmental
Author: Peter Masson
Summary
This article explores strategies for preparing successful CRISI grant applications by proactively navigating the NEPA process. It highlights key steps such as identifying potential environmental issues early, drafting categorical exclusions in advance, and avoiding complex Section 106 reviews when possible. With insights drawn from real-world experience, the article offers practical advice to help rail partners streamline approvals and improve their chances of securing federal funding.
December 2024 Featured Article
RRR.RRRR.
Section: Law
Author: David Drach
Summary
This article explores the transformative impact of pivotal legislation on the rail industry, including the 3-R and 4-R Acts of the 1970s and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980. These reforms revitalized struggling railroads, reduced regulatory burdens, and enhanced competitiveness, laying the foundation for the industry’s modern success and ongoing relevance.
November 2024 Featured Article
Artificial Intelligence within the Rail Industry
Section: Technology
Author: Allison Yanites
Summary
This article delves into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the rail industry. Traditional AI focuses on data analysis and prediction, while generative AI creates new data, opening opportunities like ChatGPT. The rail industry is well-positioned to adopt AI, and as data and technology improve, AI’s role will expand, promising to streamline operations, boost innovation, and enhance strategic outcomes.
September 2024 Featured Article
Welcome to the New ARDA Year!
ARDA President's Letter
Author: Chris Ingraham
Summary
The ARDA President's letter reflects on the organization's 119-year history and ongoing commitment to supporting the rail industry. It announces two key events in 2025, the Executive Forum in Atlanta and the Annual Meeting in St. Louis, and encourages increased member engagement and sponsorship. The theme for 2025 is "Confluence," emphasizing bringing people and ideas together to elevate the rail industry.
June 2024 Featured Article
Right of Way Encroachments on BNSF
Section: Real Estate
Author: Dean Ferris
Summary
The article outlines how BNSF Railway manages right-of-way encroachments across its 23,795 miles of track. Encroachments are typically identified through local BNSF Engineering teams, reports from local governments or landowners, and lease inspections. Once an encroachment is confirmed, BNSF takes steps to resolve it, prioritizing safety and potential risks, and may involve legal action if cooperation is not obtained. The process aims to maintain good relationships with communities while ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations.
May 2024 Featured Article
Modern Alchemy: Turning Dirt into Rail Served Real Estate
Section: Economic Development
Author: Michael Flynn
Summary
The article discusses the challenges of developing new rail-served industrial sites, emphasizing the complexity and high costs involved. It highlights the need for railroads to better educate developers and local economic development agencies on the benefits of rail access and to share information on demand for such sites to attract investment and development. By improving site preparedness and offering clear data, railroads can increase the success of these developments and create more opportunities for rail-served properties.
April 2024 Featured Article
Incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into Environmental Impact Assessment
Section: Environmental
Author: Peter Masson
Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into Environmental Impact Assessments, particularly under NEPA. It suggests leveraging the knowledge of indigenous tribes to enhance environmental impact measurement, project design, and community outreach. Incorporating TEK can lead to more effective and culturally sensitive environmental management practices.
December 2023 Featured Article
Digital Twin in the Railroad Industry
Section: Technology
Author: Wes Kaisershot
Summary
The article explores the use of digital twin technology in the railroad industry, where virtual models replicate physical assets like tracks, locomotives, and facilities to simulate, monitor, and optimize performance. This technology is being used for predictive maintenance, operational simulations, real estate asset tracking, and predictive analytics, helping railroads reduce downtime, streamline maintenance, and enhance safety. The adoption of digital twin technology is seen as a key factor in advancing the efficiency and productivity of the railroad industry.
November 2023 Featured Article
Property Taxes Off the Rails
Section: Law
Author: Matthew Hammer
Summary
This article discusses how intermodal and transloading facilities in Illinois can benefit from favorable property tax treatment by being classified as "operating property" under the Illinois Property Tax Code. Facilities used in connection with rail operations may qualify for this designation, which exempts them from local taxes. Even if a property is owned by a non-railroad entity, its use in rail operations, like loading and unloading, could qualify it for "operating property" status, offering tax advantages.
September 2023 Featured Article
A Letter from the ARDA President
ARDA President's Letter
Author: Alanna Strohecker
Summary
The ARDA President's letter reflects on the organization’s successful past year and outlines plans for 2024, including the Executive Forum in Fort Worth and the Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. The President emphasizes the association’s theme of “Growth” and encourages members to continue advocating for ARDA while expressing gratitude to sponsors for their ongoing support. The letter highlights the goal of expanding membership and furthering ARDA’s mission in the coming year.
