Mississippi short line nets $4.7 million to build rail-car storage

Mississippi's Jackson County Board of Supervisors has approved $4.7 million in funding to support the Mississippi Export Railroad's rail upgrades.

The money will be used to build 3.2 miles of rail-car storage, passing and field repair space, railroad officials said in a press release.

The Mississippi Development Authority provided a Freight Rail Service Revolving Loan to facilitate the project.

The upgrades are aimed at enabling businesses to expand production capacity. The project also will enable the Mississippi Export Railroad to better serve businesses along its line.

"Mississippi Export's unit train storage and interchange capabilities, combined with its full service car repair shop, make it a one-stop solution for car owners and rail shippers," said Kate Luce, the short line's chief executive officer.