Kentucky provides grants for 7 freight-rail projects

Yesterday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state has issued seven freight-rail infrastructure project grants totaling $3.1 million through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

The funds are awarded through the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) and Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation (KSLIP) programs. 

“Kentucky’s rail network is an economic engine that moves millions of tons of freight and generates billions in labor income every year,” said Beshear in a press release. 

One of three railroads to receive a grant through the KSLIP program, Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL) was awarded $903,641 to upgrade monitoring systems that will support eight hot-box detectors. 

“These upgrades will increase network coverage and provide real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing [us] to identify and address potential equipment failures before they become serious incidents,” said PAL President and CEO Tom Greene.  

In addition, R. J. Corman Railroad Group will receive a $751,130 grant to rehab track by replacing 6,500 ties and 90 switch ties, and installing seven switches; and Louisville & Indiana Railroad will receive an $82,179 grant to install a new hot wheel and hot bearing detector. 

Meanwhile, Jared Donaldson Trucking LLC is one of four KIASI grant recipients. The company will receive $500,000 to open a rail spur and install a new turnout to allow rail-car access for direct truck loading. 

“Getting the rail spur back up and running and creating our transloading access will open the door for more business,” said Jared Donaldson, the company’s owner. 

The other three recipients and their grant amounts are: Norfolk Southern Railway, $305,000 to reinforce track roadbed at five locations; Progress Rail Services Corp., $300,000 to develop a medium- and light-duty rail-car repair facility in Decoursey; and R. J. Corman, $284,000 to repair track to establish a permanent transload facility.