Kentucky invests $5.6 million to expand railway infrastructure

Kentucky is investing in six mega railway infrastructure projects worth $5.6 million to increase freight capability, improve industrial logistics, and promote sustainable regional development in seven counties.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Kentucky expands rail infrastructure through new state grants

Six projects have been shortlisted to access funding under the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) program, which is managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). It promotes building, rebuilding, or rehabilitating rail Facilities to allow business growth and also promote public safety.

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Each fiscal year, KIASI program allocates $7.5 million in 50/50 grant money to promote industrial development and improve more efficient freight flows. The most recent set of grants amounts to $5,612,576 and was disbursed among six organizations that comprise both industrial proponents and port authorities.

The beneficiaries are:

• Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority – received funding of $526,581 to improve rail infrastructure that supports regional riverport and new Lyon County freight operations.

• Logan Aluminum, Inc. – was awarded $1,217,250 to extend 2,100 lineal feet of new track between the DC4 casting center and the mainline system, enhancing access to inbound raw materials.

• Norfolk Southern – awarded $499,000 to overhaul its local track structure and to improve the safety features of freight handling in efficiency.

• Novellis Corporation – secured $1,875,000 to increase its aluminum recycling and manufacturing capability with enhanced rail connection to its manufacturing facility.

• Owensboro Riverport Authority – was awarded $441,245 to enhance multimodal freight links between the riverport and industrial rail plants.

• Stainless Steel Acquisition Co. LLC – to receive $1,053,500 to rebuild and upgrade tracks supporting its stainless-steel operations, boosting throughput and dependability.

All these projects combined will provide long-term transportation advantages, promote industrial diversification, and solidify the transportation connectivity between the central United States and Kentucky.

Kentucky projects strengthen logistics and sustainability

Logan County’s Logan Aluminum project stands among the most metamorphic. The procuring of 2,100 new track length shall create a straight rail connection to the DC4 casting center and the ingot storage facility to allow convenient onsite transfers. This link reduces truck reliance, lowers emissions, and enhances supply chain effectiveness.

“Logan Aluminum is proud to accept a KIASI grant in favor of the DC4 rail extension,” Logan Aluminum President and CEO Steven Clarke explained. “In terms of this investment, this will improve our logistics infrastructure, promote sustainability, and stimulate innovation within the state’s manufacturing base.”

Governor Beshear highlighted that these kinds of projects showcase the state’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure, creating employment, and securing long-term profitability.

He added that rail development supports local competitiveness since it reduces logistics expenses, boosts dependability, and stimulates additional private investments.

By shrewd funding, Kentucky goes on to develop its rail and port infrastructure, linking industrial areas with national markets and emerging as a prime freight corridor in the American Midwest.

Source: transportation.ky.gov

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