Georgia gives Norfolk Southern $8.4M grant to lengthen passing track

(The Center Square) — Georgia taxpayers are giving a railroad company an $8.4 million grant to improve a passing track in Henry County, representing roughly 40% of the entire project.

The grant to Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern Corp. is part of the first round of the Georgia Freight Rail Program, which Georgia lawmakers created during the 2021 legislative session.

The money will help fund a portion of Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta South District passing track on the rail line between Macon and Atlanta in Henry County. Officials say the line is a key link in the freight rail corridor connecting the Georgia Port Authority Garden City Terminal and metro Atlanta.

“Georgia’s freight rail network is a key economic driver and a vital component of our overall transportation network,” Russell McMurry, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, said in a statement. “This project will provide many benefits to Henry County and the state.”

The project, which will extend a passing track at McDonough to more than double its current length, is expected to cost roughly $21 million. Officials say the upgrades should allow more efficient use of tracks and reduce blocked rail crossings, a perpetual problem across the state.

- Advertisement -

“This funding represents a springboard for growth for our Henry County operations, thanks to the invaluable support from Georgia DOT and local officials,” Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan said in a statement.

“It’s a triple win: Enhancing service for our local customers, improving mainline train access across our 22-state network, and easing congestion along the way,” McClellan added. “These infrastructure improvements will bolster our operational efficiency while driving economic growth across the region, promising enduring benefits for our communities.”

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Fish passage project in Olympic Peninsula not impacted by federal funding freeze

(The Center Square) – So far, federal funding remains...

Poll: Consumer sentiment highest since 2019 Trump administration

(The Center Square) – Inflation, 2.9% in the final...

Illinois quick hits: Illinois joins lawsuit agsinst Trump’s spending cuts

Illinois is among 22 states suing the Trump administration...

Nuclear recycling aims to reduce waste, provide ‘generational jobs’

(The Center Square) − A growing number of energy...

Trump signs order forcing agencies to work with DOGE

Billionaire Elon Musk joined President Donald Trump in the...

WA senator insists controversial remarks on parents’ rights taken out of context

(The Center Square) – Washington State Senate Majority Leader...

Lee’s $59.5B budget inlcudes $3.9B in new spending

(The Center Square) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is...

More like this
Related

Fish passage project in Olympic Peninsula not impacted by federal funding freeze

(The Center Square) – So far, federal funding remains...

Poll: Consumer sentiment highest since 2019 Trump administration

(The Center Square) – Inflation, 2.9% in the final...

Illinois quick hits: Illinois joins lawsuit agsinst Trump’s spending cuts

Illinois is among 22 states suing the Trump administration...