Funding will improve rail safety and efficiency in Central Mississippi
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) today announced that Grenada Railroad (GRYR) will receive $18.2 million from the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant awards for GRYR’s Central Mississippi Rail Resiliency and Capacity Expansion Project.
As grant recipient, GRYR is committed to providing a 30 percent non-Federal match, or $7.8 million, for the project, which involves strengthening the track infrastructure, improving road crossing conditions and significantly increasing capacity to support the growth of industrial development in central Mississippi.
“This new grant will fund the upgrading and modernizing of our rail line from Canton, Mississippi, to Southaven, Mississippi, on the Mississippi-Tennessee border, and significantly increase capacity to support the rapid growth of industrial development in central Mississippi,” said Ryan Ratledge, CEO of Pinsly Railroad Company, GRYR’s parent. “The increased volumes from these new facilities along with truck-to-rail conversions has created a need for additional capacity and long-term infrastructure enhancements to ensure uninterrupted service linking the region to national and global markets.”
The new grant received strong backing from local and state officials, including Mississippi Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Congressman Bennie Thompson, whose district includes Grenda Railroad’s line.
“We are very thankful for the support we have received from Mississippi’s elected officials and business community,” Ratledge said. “This project will not only deliver safer rail crossings for the traveling public but also much needed economic development to this region of the country.”
“I am pleased the federal government continues to invest in the Grenada railroad,” said Sen. Wicker.” Increasing this rail’s capacity will help meet rising demand. This project will result in a brighter economic future for Mississippi and the region.”