AASHTO Journal - State DOT Grants Support Rail Infrastructure Projects

The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently issued grants to support a series of rail infrastructure projects in their respective states.

[Above photo by R.J. Corman Railroad]

The NCDOT’s Rail Division awarded $12.9 million in grants to improve rail infrastructure on 11 short line freight railroads, including railroad connections to the state ports in Morehead City and Wilmington. The projects will upgrade over 10 miles of railroad corridor, improve 16 railroad bridges, and enhance port rail operations, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network.

“The benefits these projects offer the statewide freight rail network can’t be overstated,” said Jason Orthner, director of the NCDOT Rail Division, in a statement. “Together, NCDOT and our short line partners are increasing reliability and resiliency in freight rail operations, supporting North Carolina businesses and contributing to the state’s economic vitality.”

Those grants come through the NCDOT’s Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement or FRRCSI program, established in 2014 to support statewide freight rail infrastructure while establishing partnerships to effectively meet the growing demand for rail service.

The state’s contribution will match equal investments for each project from participating railroad companies and the North Carolina Ports Authority, NCDOT added, resulting in a total of $25.8 million being invested into the statewide freight rail network through these projects.

Meanwhile, the KYTC is overseeing $7.5 million in state funding for eight railway projects; grants that will fund the replacement of cross ties; updates to communications equipment and capabilities; brush removal and drainage optimization; replacing, upgrading or extending old rail lines; and construction of new track.

“Maintaining a modern transportation infrastructure is critical to keep Kentucky’s economy moving,” said Governor Andy Beshear (D) in a statement. “This investment in rail is essential to building a brighter future where opportunity and prosperity are possible for everyone, right here in our new Kentucky home.”

The funding for those rail projects comes through a newly created grant opportunity established by the General Assembly and approved by the governor in the state’s 2024 biennial budget – the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation or KSLIP Program.

Projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the KSLIP selection committee, which prioritizes applications based on criteria like enhancements to existing rail lines, retaining existing or attracting new rail-served industries and project readiness, and are then overseen by the KYTC. Applicants provide a 50 percent match for KSLIP funded projects, the agency added.

“Kentucky is investing in a multimodal transportation network that is vital for commerce,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Buses, bikes, boats, planes, cars and trains. If it moves our people or our products and services, rest assured we are securing funds and delivering the projects to benefit all Kentuckians.”