Gov. Beshear announces $3.6 Million in grants to improve rail safety and infrastructure across Kentucky
Rail Roads, PC: Pexels Jplenio 3690392
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that more than $3.6 million in state grants will fund 15 railway infrastructure projects across 11 Kentucky counties. Beshear is looking to boost safety, support economic growth and upgrade the reliability of the state’s rail ways.
The funding comes from two programs administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) program, which distributed over $2 million, and the Kentucky Rail Crossing Improvement (KRCI) program, which distributed $1.6 million.
“These investments make our roads and railways safer for drivers, school buses and emergency vehicles, while signaling to families and businesses that Kentucky is a smart place to grow,” Beshear said.
Under KIASI, Norfolk Southern received more than $600,000 for five soil stabilization projects in Boone, Grant, Lincoln and Mercer counties. Pittsburg Glass Works LLC was awarded $1.4 million to build a new spur line in Madison County to extend storage and access to CSX service.
The KRCI grants will upgrade signals, lighting, and add raised medians at several rail crossings, with two projects including full surface replacements. Recipients include Norfolk Southern and Paducah and Louisville Railway.
Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said the upgrades will improve driver safety and foster stronger infrastructure connections statewide.
The grants are part of Kentucky’s effort to modernize rail infrastructure, which also includes the Kentucky Short-Line Infrastructure Preservation (KSLIP) program. Since late 2024, the state has spent more than $15 million in rail investments.
