Rail spur projects approved by Ohio Rail Commissioners

Rail spur projects at three industrial development sites with the potential to create much-needed jobs have been given the go-ahead from ORDC Commissioners. An $85,000 grant and $85,000 loan for a rail spur project will allow the Cleveland Commercial Railroad to serve a new steel trans-loading facility. The four steel processing firms that could be served by the Transload facility employ approximately 320 people. The rail project also opens up new markets for steel processors by providing another shipping option. Commissioners approved a request by the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority for the ORDC to serve as project sponsor so the Port Authority may access $475,000 in federal rail line relocation funds for a project to improve grade crossing safety and further develop rail service into the industrial park. In Van Wert County, a grant of up to $500,000 was approved for the rehabilitation of a portion of rail line into a 1,600 acre Job Ready Mega Site that could generate up to 2,500 jobs and improve service and business for two existing companies. The project also improves rail service for two existing companies. A $235,000 grant for track rehabilitation and repairs to four bridges on an unused portion of the City of Greenville-owned rail line was approved. The grant will leverage up to $58,000 from the City for the project, which is needed for the reopening of Johnson Controls' Greenfield plant, creating 130 new jobs and another 80 jobs on a planned second production line. Staff-approved projects included the following: A grant of up to $150,000 for the first phase of rehabilitating the 26-mile Indiana & Ohio rail line between Lancaster and Logan. Leveraging another $150,000 from the railroad, the project will improve the effectiveness of rail service to three rail dependent shippers that employ 259 people. The project is also critical to expansion/investments by companies that will add 30 to 50 new jobs. A $125,000 grant for emergency repairs to two bridges on the Ashtabula, Jefferson & Carson Railroad that would benefit several major local shippers and may assist another company that desires to ship by rail. The project would also benefit a weekends-only tourist train on the line that brings travel and tourism dollars to the local economy. Approval of funds for these projects to move forward will require State Controlling Board approval.