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9/14/2020
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded the city of Lexington, North Carolina, a $24.9 million grant for the construction of a train and bus station in Lexington's Depot District, members of the state's congressional delegation announced last week.
The grant is being awarded through the USDOT's Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program.
"These BUILD grants will repair, rebuild and revitalize transportation systems across America," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in a press release. The project includes replacement of the 7th Avenue grade crossing with a grade-separated crossing at 5th Avenue, as well as track improvements.
The Lexington project and new station will encourage economic development in the state, said U.S. Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) in a press release.
"This depot will link Lexington to other centers of commerce like Charlotte, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro and Raleigh; and will revitalize the city for decades to come," Budd said.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) was awarded a $7 million BUILD grant for the construction of 5.5 miles of rail that will connect the TennKen Railroad to the Port of Cates Landing in Lake County.
The project is designed to ensure rail, truck and barge access to the port and Lake County Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site. Once completed, the project will better position the region for investment by companies considering the site for projects requiring rail access, TNECD officials said in a press release.
"This is a monumental win for Lake County. The Port of Cates Landing has the potential to economically transform northwest Tennessee, and this critical rail grant will enhance the infrastructure for the Lake County Industrial Park," TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe.