Media Contacts:
Naitore Djigbenou
502.782.4829
Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov
Allen Blair
606.748.3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $7.5 million state investment for 8 Kentucky railway projects to maintain and enhance existing infrastructure. The projects were selected to retain and attract new business, bringing more economic opportunity to Kentuckians and the state.
The grants 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 Gov. Beshear. “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 projects are funded through a newly created grant opportunity established by the General Assembly and approved by Gov. Beshear in this year’s biennial budget – the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation (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. Applicants provide a 50% match for the project.
“Team Kentucky is investing in a multimodal transportation network that is vital for commerce,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (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.”
RJ Corman is one of five railroad companies to receive state funding through the program. The nearly $1.5 million total investment will be applied toward two improvement projects, one on their Central Kentucky Line that goes through Franklin, Fayette, Woodford, and Scott counties, and the other on their Memphis line in Logan County. Moving freight on railways versus highways minimizes wear and tear to roads, reduces traffic congestion, improves service to rail customers and fewer carbon emissions.
"We are deeply grateful to Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for awarding these two grants through the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation (KSLIP) Program. The importance of short line railroads to the Commonwealth cannot be overstated, as they are a key driver of economic development. These grants will significantly impact the infrastructure of the rail lines in our Commonwealth. R. J. Corman Railroad Group is proud to be a premier supply chain solutions provider for hundreds of companies in Kentucky. These grants will enable us to continue giving exemplary service to crucial businesses in the state, ensuring their connectivity to markets on both a national and global scale," said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and CEO Ed Quinn.
In August 2024, the Governor announced a $5.5 million investment for 16 riverport projects out of the newly created Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) grant.