The governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear has announced over US$5.6m (c. £4.17m) in state grants for six Kentucky railway infrastructure improvement projects spanning seven counties.
Funds were distributed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) through the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement (KIASI) program.
Projects will improve commercial rail access, enhance safety, attract investment and create jobs for Kentuckians, KIASI reports.
Reportedly, the KIASI grant program designates $7.5m (c. £6m) each fiscal year in 50/50 grants for railroad equipment, construction, reconstruction, improvement, or rehabilitation of rail facilities or engineering work associated with capital projects.
The recipients of the six awards are:
- Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority, $526,581 (c. £392,294)
- Logan Aluminum, Inc., $1,217,250 (c. £906,832)
- Norfolk Southern, $499,000 (c. £371,747)
- Novelis Corporation, $1,875,000 (c. £1,396,846)
- Owensboro Riverport Authority, $441,245 (c. £3287,20)
- Stainless Steel Acquisition Co. LLC, $1,053,500 (c. £784,841)
The Logan Aluminum project will add 2,100 feet of track to establish rail access to the DC4 casting center in Logan County.
The new access provides the final critical link needed for receipt of inbound raw materials by rail.
In addition, the new railroad tracks will connect DC4 with the onsite ingot storage yard, allowing DC4’s production volume to be transported onsite via rail instead of trucks.
Logan Aluminum president and CEO Steven Clarke said: “Logan Aluminum is honored to receive a KIASI grant supporting the DC4 (Recycling Facility) rail extension.
“This investment will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our logistics network, enabling a higher shift to rail, drive continued growth and innovation, and strengthen Kentucky’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and sustainable economic development.
“We appreciate the state’s continued commitment to infrastructure improvements that empower manufacturers like Logan Aluminum to continue creating value for our customers, team members, and communities.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
