Media Contacts:
Naitore Djigbenou
502.782.4829
Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov
Allen Blair
606.748.3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced over $5.6 million in state grants for six Kentucky railway infrastructure improvement projects spanning seven counties. Projects will improve commercial rail access, enhance safety, attract investment and create jobs for Kentuckians.
“By modernizing our rail network, we’re ensuring trains are safe and efficient while creating new opportunities for communities across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “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.”
Funds were distributed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) through the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) program.
The KIASI grant program designates $7.5 million each fiscal year in 50/50 grants for railroad equipment, construction, reconstruction, improvement, or rehabilitation of rail facilities or engineering work associated with capital projects.
“Each project is an investment in opportunity and prosperity for Kentuckians,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “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.
The recipients of the six awards are:
- Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority, $526,581
- Logan Aluminum, Inc., $1,217,250
- Norfolk Southern, $499,000
- Novelis Corporation, $1,875,000
- Owensboro Riverport Authority, $441,245
- Stainless Steel Acquisition Co. LLC, $1,053,500
The Logan Aluminum project will add 2,100 feet of track to establish rail access to the DC4 casting center in Logan County. The new access provides the final critical link needed for receipt of inbound raw materials by rail. In addition, the new railroad tracks will connect DC4 with the onsite ingot storage yard, allowing DC4's production volume to be transported onsite via rail instead of trucks.
“Logan Aluminum is honored to receive a KIASI grant supporting the DC4 (Recycling Facility) rail extension. This investment will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our logistics network, enabling a higher shift to rail, drive continued growth and innovation, and strengthen Kentucky’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and sustainable economic development," Logan Aluminum President and CEO Steven Clarke said. "We appreciate the state’s continued commitment to infrastructure improvements that empower manufacturers like Logan Aluminum to continue creating value for our customers, team members, and communities.”
The announcement is part of an ongoing Team Kentucky commitment to rail safety and infrastructure improvement that includes projects funded by the KRCI and KIASI programs, as well as a newly created grant opportunity known as the Kentucky Short-Line Infrastructure Preservation (KSLIP) program.
In April 2025, the Governor announced a $3.6 million investment for 12 rail projects through KIASI and KRCI funds in collaboration with the Cabinet for Economic Development.