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Wisconsin just lost another grant for its rail system.

And this time, it wasn’t because the Walker administration didn’t want it.

The state had aggressively pursued $12 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve freight rail service from Spring Green through Downtown Madison.

The state and a railroad company would have more than matched the federal money, creating a $25.2 million project updating 35 miles of worn tracks.

The project called for new rails, ties and switches as well as dozens of rebuilt crossings, some for bicyclists and pedestrians. The improvements would have allowed freight trains with heavier loads to move products much faster and more safely to market. This includes grain, sand and industrial products.

The U.S. DOT wouldn’t comment on the grant Thursday. But key supporters and congressional aides confirmed the money didn’t come through.

This is frustrating for several reasons.

Besides being a worthy project, the Spring Green-to-Madison line enjoyed strong bipartisan support, with benefits for the regional economy.