Nicholasville, Ky.-based R.J. Corman Railroad Company announced recently it had been awarded $43.6 million in federal grants to invest in eight railroads serving communities in Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
The grants, part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, will allow the company to make strategic investments in its Southeastern Short Line Freight Rail Track Improvement Project, a $62.3 million investment into critical infrastructure improvements. The project includes rail replacement, crosstie installation, switch upgrades, and grade crossing improvements, among other improvements. Officials said the investments will strengthen freight rail service for more than 120 customers across a wide array of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, chemicals, and energy production.
“This investment is an important step toward strengthening the short line railroads that help keep America’s economy moving,” Justin Broyles, president and CEO of R. J. Corma, said. “The improvements made possible through this grant will enhance safety, improve reliability, preserve critical transportation infrastructure, and support future economic growth across our network. We are grateful for the confidence placed in R. J. Corman and proud to work alongside federal, state, and local partners to deliver lasting benefits for our customers, the communities we serve, and the nation’s supply chain.”
Officials with the company said the Southeastern Short Line Freight Rail Track Improvement Project is expected to reduce operational bottlenecks and support future industrial and economic development opportunities throughout the region, while preserving and strengthening the freight rail network, and reducing highway truck traffic.