Beshear announces $3.1 million for Kentucky rail infrastructure projects
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $3.1 million investment to fund seven rail infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety and supporting economic growth across the state.
The funding comes from the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement and the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation programs.
Projects include upgrades to safety monitoring systems, installation of scales, development of new freight transloading sites, a railcar repair facility and erosion control work.
“Kentucky’s rail network is an economic engine that moves millions of tons of freight and generates billions in labor income every year,” Beshear said. “These projects will support good-paying jobs and help keep our railways running smoothly and safely for years to come.”
State officials said the grants are awarded based on factors such as improvements to existing rail lines, job creation, capital investment and project readiness. Recipients are required to provide at least a 50% match.
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said the funding helps expand economic opportunities.
“Investing in infrastructure such as railroads is an investment not just in transportation but in our people,” Goodman said.
Among the recipients, Paducah & Louisville Railway will receive more than $900,000 to upgrade monitoring systems, including the installation of hot-box detectors to track railcar component temperatures and improve safety.
Jared Donaldson Trucking LLC will receive $500,000 to support the development of a rail spur, new scales and equipment to allow direct loading of railcars onto trucks.
Since 2024, Beshear has awarded more than $32 million through the two grant programs to strengthen rail infrastructure and support industrial development in Kentucky, officials said.
