12 short line railroads operate in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2015) — More than $3 million in state grants have been approved for needed improvements to short line railroads in Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear announced today.
The projects include public safety improvements to at-grade railroad crossings, railroad bridge overpasses and upgrades of railroad crossing warning signals, lights, signs and barriers.
“This is an investment in the economy of the commonwealth because freight railroads are indispensable to our economy and our transportation system,” Beshear said. “Freight rail companies, including the 12 short lines that operate in Kentucky, contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy each year in the form of wages and benefits, and that’s only part of the story. They provide business, industry and agriculture with a market connection that is safe, efficient and environmentally sound.”
The assistance grants, totaling $3,082,197, were provided in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s budget. The grants represent 75 percent to 80 percent of total project costs, with each railroad providing the remainder.
Grants awarded:
- R.J. Corman Railroad Group – $1,568,915 for 13 projects on the company’s Central Kentucky Line (Fayette, Franklin, Shelby and Jefferson counties) and eight on its Memphis Line (Logan, Warren and Todd counties). Projects comprise reconstruction or rehabilitation of various crossings and overpasses and a crossing signal upgrade.
- Paducah & Louisville Railway – $1,282,725 for 15 projects in McCracken, Marshall and Jefferson counties involving reconstruction of crossings and a signal upgrade.
- Port of Louisville Railroad – $93,980 for reconstruction of a crossing on KY 1230 in Jefferson County.
- Kentucky Railway Museum – $136,577 for improvements to crossings on U.S. 52 in LaRue County and a county road in Nelson County. (The museum stores railroad rolling stock and is therefore a part of the short line system.)
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