NCDOT awards $2 million to nine shortlines for maintenance

Written by jrood

The North Carolina Board of Transportation has awarded nearly $2 million in state funds to nine small freight railroads through the Short Line Infrastructure Assistance Program. The grants will be used to help with track and bridge maintenance and other improvements. "These grants will retain jobs and support economic development in rural areas," Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said. "At the same time, the grants will help modernize the state's rail system and bring about improved capacity, reliability and safety." SIAP's focus is to help shortlines maintain and improve their tracks and better serve industries in primarily rural areas. The money will be used to assist nine railroads that will directly benefit 20 counties serving 62 companies. The money is a part of a public-private partnership, with at least 50 percent coming from the shortline railroad companies. "Shortline railroads connect our shippers with the national rail network," said Andrew Perkins, chair of the Board of Transportation's Rail Subcommittee. "They ensure that our industries can receive raw materials and ship products across the country." State SIAP funds are appropriated by the N.C. General Assembly on a year-by-year basis. These grant funds are not automatically recurring.

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