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The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) recently approved funds for several freight-rail projects.

The commission blessed an $85,000 grant and $85,000 loan for a rail spur project will enable Cleveland Commercial Railroad to serve a new steel transloading facility.  The project also opens up new markets for steel processors by providing another shipping option, according to the railroad.

ORDC also approved a request by the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority to serve as project sponsor to access $475,000 in federal rail line relocation funds for a project designed to improve grade crossing safety and further develop rail service into an industrial park.

In addition, the commission green lighted a grant up to $500,000 to rehabilitate a portion of line into a 1,600-acre industrial site in In Van Wert County that would improve rail service for two existing companies; and a $235,000 grant for track rehabilitation and repairs to four bridges on an unused portion of a city of Greenville-owned line.

Based on staff-approved projects, ORDC also approved a grant up to $150,000 for the first phase of rehabilitating a 26-mile Indiana & Ohio Railway line between Lancaster and Logan; and a $125,000 grant for emergency repairs to two Ashtabula, Jefferson & Carson Railroad bridges.