November 15, 2024

R. J. Corman Railroad Group Receives Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation Program Grants for Rail Infrastructure Projects

R. J. Corman Railroad Group is pleased to announce receiving two substantial grants under the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation Program (KSLIP) from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The KSLIP Program is a significant new initiative aimed at funding critical rail infrastructure projects that help maintain and improve the efficiency and safety of short line railroads. 

First, the Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement project, with a total project cost of $12,301,000, has been awarded $1,000,000 from KSLIP. The Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project is a $12.3 million initiative designed to modernize the railroad infrastructure of the R. J. Corman Central Kentucky Lines (RJCC).

This project will not only modernize the RJCC’s railroad infrastructure but also improve rail safety and efficiency, delivering substantial environmental and traffic-mitigation benefits. Over the next 20-30 years, the new transload facility in Frankfort and the increased utilization of the railroad are expected to divert over 130,000 truckloads from interstate and local roads to rail, significantly reducing congestion and improving road safety.

Second, the Memphis Line (RJCM) Track Rehab project, with a total project cost of $969,900, has been awarded $484,950 from KSLIP, with R. J. Corman matching this amount. This project includes replacing 1,400 crossties, 500 tons of ballast, 100 track feet of crossing renewal, a 200 track feet extension, a rail upgrade of 1,800 linear feet, and 10,000 linear feet of surfacing. This project will assist the RJCM’s customers in meeting their sustainability goals and making their supply chains more efficient. By upgrading track infrastructure, the short line will be better equipped to handle heavier loads, support existing customers in expanding their business opportunities, and attract new customers. 

On Thursday, November 14, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear presented the grants during Team Kentucky’s press conference. R. J. Corman Railroad Group Board of Trustees member April Colyer represented the company and delivered remarks. She highlighted the importance of these grants and the company’s ongoing commitment to improving Kentucky's rail infrastructure.

“We are grateful for the generous grants the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded under the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation Program, KSLIP for short. This new program has already shown how vital it will be for preserving and enhancing the rail system in our state,” said April Colyer at the press conference. 

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Beshear, the General Assembly, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for their support and commitment to improving Kentucky's rail transportation infrastructure. These grants will significantly enhance our ability to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions for our customers and the communities we serve right here in our home state of Kentucky.”

To access the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet press release, please click here: KSLIP Railway Grants.