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Last week, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved three freight-rail infrastructure improvement projects.

The commission agreed to manage a $1.7 million state grant to help fund repairs to 44 grade-crossing surfaces on an Ohio Central Railroad line; approved a loan revision and assignment from the Columbiana County Port Authority to the Eastern States Railroad to continue upgrading lines; and approved a $207,000 loan to help the West Central Ohio Port Authority and Indiana & Ohio Railroad Co. fund a bridge replacement project.

In addition, ORDC commissioners decided to re-open a search for an executive director to succeed James Seney, who retired in September.

An independent agency within the Ohio Department of Transportation, ORDC oversees freight and passenger railroad issues, grade crossing safety, and rail travel and tourism.