ORDC Approves $2.3M for 5 Projects Across Ohio

ORDC

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Rail Development Commission has approved more than $2.3 million in grant funding for five projects throughout Ohio.

According to the release, this assistance goes toward a total $7.4 million in infrastructure projects. These projects include a manufacturing plant, shortline railroads upgrading infrastructure, replacing a one-hundred-year-old bridge, and other Ohio businesses seeking to “enhance their competitiveness.”

Executive Director of the ORDC Matthew Dietrich said, “These five projects represent a significant commitment to improved safety and economic development in the state. Together these projects demonstrate just how important rail is to Ohio’s economy. We are pleased to assist in these efforts and help the companies continue to grow in Ohio.”

First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC

$350,000 in grant funding was awarded to First Quality Tissue Midwest, LLC to install rail infrastructure at a $985 million plant in Defiance. The release states that the company will create 407 new jobs and ship and receive 1500 new carloads over the next five years.

Director of Major Projects and Expansions Tim Fisher said, “First Quality Tissue is very excited to be part of the Defiance and Northwest Ohio region. Reliable transportation via rail was a crucial factor in the site selection. Establishing the new rail connection will ensure consistent, cost-effective transportation of raw materials to the facility. We appreciate the Ohio Rail Development Commission’s commitment to projects like ours that support job creation and economic development in Ohio.”

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway

The ORDC approved $1.2 million in grant funding to go toward rehabilitating a bridge in Tuscarawas County. In total, the project costs more than $3.3 million. Located on WLE’s Rook Subdivision, the original structure dates back to 1903 and “is on a critical route . . . as it connects customers along the Ohio River to its main yard in Brewster.” The original bridge was designed for two tracks. As such, crews will install new spans on the exiting foundation so WLE can construct the project with less impact on customers.

WLE Director of Projects & Structures, Nick Strub, PE said, “On behalf of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, we want to thank the Rail Commission for their continued support with this bridge grant approval. This unique project will allow us to continue safe operations to the many Ohio businesses linked by this critical piece of infrastructure on the Rook Subdivision. This work will also ensure continued, efficient service for the many Ohio freight customers we serve along the Ohio River and across the system for many years to come.”

Wilimington Iron & Metal

The ORDC approved $174,000 in grant funding for Wilmington Iron & Metal to expand its rail capacity. In total, the project is estimated to cost $870,000. This is to allow it to “meet an increase in rail gondola usage from 136 railcars to 600 railcars per year.” The company’s project is part of a larger $17.4 million facility expansion that seeks to meet a growing customer demand.

Robert Raizk, President, Wilmington Iron & Metal Company, said “Many thanks to the Rail Commission for supporting the expansion of our rail infrastructure. It is greatly appreciated. We look forward to growing our rail volume and the utilization of the Indiana & Ohio Railway.”

RJ Corman Railroad Company

RJ Corman Railroad Company will receive a $497,875 grant from the Rail Commission to rehabilitate part of the St. Marys Subdivision in Mercer and Auglaize Counties. The grant will be matched by RJ Corman for a total project investment close to $1 million. The rehabilitation of the subdivision will ensure RJ Corman’s customers on the western end will “continue to receive safe and efficient rail service.”

RJ Corman Railroad Group Vice President of Government Affairs Tyler White said, “We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with the Ohio Rail Development Commission, which continues to play a vital role in strengthening our rail infrastructure. With safety as our top priority, this funding enables us to enhance our infrastructure and keep delivering reliable freight services tailored to our customers’ needs. The Rail Commission exemplifies how state-level leadership can effectively champion rail investment and elevate the safety and reliability of freight transportation throughout Ohio.”

Kraft Heinz

$150,000 in grant funding was approved for a facility in Fremont. The project, totaling $1.45 million, seeks to replace the on-site rail spur as well as replace catch basins and storm sewers. As such, the company will keep 225 jobs and generate 923 railcars annually for three years.