SOUTH EASTERN, N.C. — Congressman David Rouzer has announced $43.6 million in federal funding to improve more than 150 miles of freight rail in the state.
The money will be awarded to R.J. Corman Railroad Group. The funding comes from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program.
Improvements will replace weathered rails and crossties as well as mending track and grade-crossings. The goal of the enhancements are to improve reliability, reduce temporary speed restrictions and derailment risks and preserve rail connections between North Carolina businesses and the national freight network.
The project will impact eight railroads serving 120 shippers across several industries including agriculture, energy production and metals.
Lines affected by the improvements are R.J. Corman’s Raleigh and Fayetteville Railroad — a 63-mile short line connecting Raleigh and Fayetteville — and Carolina Lines — an 88.5-mile railroad running from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Chadbourn, North Carolina.
“Our nation’s rail network plays a critical role in moving freight across the country and supporting American businesses,” said Congressman Rouzer in a press release.
Rouzer had previously supported R.J. Corman by sending a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink, asking him to support R.J. Corman’s grant application.
“This investment is an important step toward strengthening the short line railroads that help keep America’s economy moving,” said Justin Broyles, President and Chief Executive Officer of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, in a press release. “The improvements made possible through this grant will enhance safety, improve reliability, preserve critical transportation infrastructure, and support future economic growth across our network.”
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