The federal government is sort of known for either spending money on things it doesn’t need or nearly doing so — such as the infamous “bridge to nowhere” in Alaska.

Ridiculing federal overspending is almost a national pastime now.

But occasionally, projects come along that truly are good uses of federal tax dollars.

Such is the case, we believe, with the grant the City of Natchez has applied for to help fund railroad improvements along the long spur that connects Natchez to the rest of the country.

The city is applying for a grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.

If the funds are received, the money will allow improvements to some of the bridges along the route between Natchez and Brookhaven, which the railroad’s owners say are in need of repair and improvement.

The bridges are the “weak link” in the rail line, a representative of Natchez Railway said last week.

The city will not know the outcome of the grant application for months to come, however, we applaud the city and the Natchez Railway owners for working together to improve the infrastructure on the rail line.

The rail line is a vital link to business and industry in our corner of the world and would be a wise investment of federal tax dollars.