Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Department of Transportation (DOT) will award $7,380,600 to the R.J. Corman Railroad Group through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program.
The R.J. Corman Railroad Group will use this grant to fund improvements to their rail line between Frankfort and Lexington, Kentucky, which currently carries more than 17,000 freight rail carloads every year. The group plans to construct a new rail-to-truck freight transfer facility near Frankfort, improve its main yard and freight transfer facility in Lexington, and rehabilitate train tracks between the two cities. These investments will improve the efficiency and safety of the rail line and will divert trucks from surface roads, reducing traffic and pollution.
The funding for this grant comes from the Fiscal Year 2021 government funding bill Senator McConnell supported as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senator contacted the Secretary of Transportation on behalf of R.J. Corman in support of this important investment in Kentucky’s infrastructure.
“Kentucky is where America’s rail, road, and river transportation systems meet. I’m proud to partner with local stakeholders to fund improvements to these important arteries and secure the Commonwealth’s place as a national transportation hub,” said Senator McConnell. “The grant announced today will increase speed, efficiency, and safety on one of Kentucky’s keystone rail lines. Those improvements will support jobs and commerce in the Commonwealth for years to come.”
“Today’s grant announcement is the culmination of extensive coordination between our team and Senator McConnell. We could not be more grateful for his steadfast support of Central Kentucky’s rail infrastructure. These federal funds will allow us to make critically needed improvements to our freight line between Frankfort and Lexington, bringing enhanced speed and safety to businesses around the Commonwealth. At a time when transportation costs are soaring ever higher, Senator McConnell is helping us improve efficiency and deliver seamless service to our customers,” said Ed Quinn, President and CEO of R.J. Corman Railroad Group.
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