Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday said his state has awarded $5.6 million in railway infrastructure grants to improve commercial rail access.
The grants, part of the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) program, were awarded to six projects in seven counties and will improve rail access, enhance safety, attract investment and create jobs.
“By modernizing our rail network, we’re ensuring trains are safe and efficient while creating new opportunities for communities across the commonwealth,” Beshear said. “Every line we improve and every spur we build means safer travel, stronger businesses and more good paying jobs for Kentuckians, right here at home.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will distribute the $7.5 million each fiscal year in 50/50 grants for rail facility equipment, construction, reconstruction, improvement or rehabilitation.
“Each project is an investment in opportunity and prosperity for Kentuckians,” Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “These funds will ensure safe and efficient movement of goods across Kentucky while strengthening local economies and supporting jobs across our Commonwealth.”
Funding will go toward construction of two new rail spurs to serve industrial parks and manufacturing facilities, replacement of culverts on a high-density Norfolk Southern line, expansion of on-site storage and loading capacity, and purchase of new equipment to improve efficiency and safety. Awards included $526,581 for the Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority; $1.2 million for Logan Aluminum, Inc.; $499,000 for Norfolk Southern; and $1.875 million for Novelis Corp., among others.