Two shortline railroads that operate in West Virginia will receive federal grants for track and bridge rehabilitation.

The Winchester & Western Railroad will receive nearly $23 million to improve its track in the Eastern Panhandle.

The Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad will receive nearly $7 million to fix structural issues with a bridge that crosses the Ohio River.

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program.

Eleven shortline and regional railroads operate about 500 miles of track in West Virginia.

The Winchester & Western is owned by Denver-based OmniTrax, which also operates the state-owned South Branch Valley. The Belpre Industrial Parkersburg is owned by Cathcart Rail, based in Columbus, Ohio.