Rail Commission approves assistance for projects supporting over $81M in investment in Ohio’s rail network
On Nov. 13, the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved eight projects at the bi-monthly meeting resulting in more than $81 million in rail infrastructure investment in the State of Ohio. The projects included rail rehabilitation, rail expansion, rail bridge rehabilitations as well as two grade crossing elimination projects located in Columbiana and Butler Counties.
The Rail Commission approved a $237,000 grant to Ashland Railway for the rehabilitation of four miles of mainline track in Richland County. The project, the first of three phases, will restore track conditions to maintain safe and efficient operations on the railroad’s network, which serves industries across north central Ohio. The total project investment is estimated at $475,000.
Cincinnati Eastern Railroad received approval for a $300,000 grant to rehabilitate a bridge spanning state Routes 132 and 222 and the East Fork Little Miami River in Clermont County. The project will replace deteriorated open deck timber ties to maintain safe rail and highway operations. The total project investment is estimated at $600,000.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad received approval for a $900,000 loan to repower two locomotives with Tier 4 all-electric engines to reduce emissions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and lower maintenance costs. The total project investment is estimated at $3.5 million.
The Rail Commission approved an $800,000 grant to Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority to expand transload capacity at Eastpointe Business Park in Zanesville by constructing two new transload tracks, relocating and resurfacing the existing track, and improving drainage. This project is being driven, in part, by Plaskolite, LLC’s planned expansion. The current transload yard is operating at full capacity, supporting six businesses with over 2,500 employees in the park. The total project investment is estimated at $2.8 million.
Washington Penn Plastic received approval for a $600,000 grant to help rehabilitate 4000 feet of track on its industrial spur in Wapakoneta. The project includes upgrading the rail to safely accommodate modern railroad equipment and improving two roadway crossings. The project will ensure continued rail service to Washington Penn Plastic and AIP Logistics. The total project investment is estimated at $3 million.
Tectum Inc – Armstrong World Industries was approved for a $100,000 grant to assist with the rehabilitation of two rail spurs at the Tectum Inc facility located in Newark. The project will ensure continued rail service to the company, which will pledge to create 12 new jobs and retain 132 existing jobs, and to generate 55 carloads of rail traffic as a condition of the grant. The total project investment is estimated at $2 million.
In addition to the rail rehabilitation projects, the Rail Commission approved funds and agreed to sponsor the following two projects for Federal Railroad Administration grants:
The Rail Commission approved a grant to Columbiana County/City of Salem of up to $7.7 million from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program to replace the existing at-grade crossing at Lincoln Avenue with a grade separation. The Rail Commission will sponsor the grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration. Lincoln Avenue is an important thoroughfare in northern Columbiana County, and the crossing sees more than 40 Norfolk Southern trains and two Amtrak trains per day. The total project investment is estimated at $27 million.
The Rail Commission approved a grant of up to $7.5 million from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program to assist the Butler County Transportation Improvement District /City of Fairfield with the replacement of an at-grade crossing at Symmes Road in the City of Fairfield with a grade separation. The City of Fairfield previously secured a planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration for the project. The Rail Commission will sponsor the federal grant for the upcoming application. The approximately 30 trains per day that use this crossing result in delays for emergency responders. The project, which includes the closure of Gilmore Avenue, will result in fluidity benefits for the CSX and Amtrak trains using the rail line. The total project investment is estimated at $42 million.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, said, “The projects approved by the Rail Commission each represent a significant commitment by these companies and communities to improve rail safety and enhance economic development within the state. Safe and efficient rail operations within Ohio are a critical component of our mission. These projects also illustrate just how important rail is to our economy. We are pleased to help them continue to grow and thrive in Ohio.”
The Ohio Rail Development Commission assists Ohio communities, companies, and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. The Rail Commission also funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety for the traveling public. Rail lines in Ohio are private property. Trespassing is both extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited. For additional information, please contact Wende Jourdan at (614) 728-9497.