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Hudson Announces $13 Million Grant to Improve Railway for Economic Development with Sens. Tillis and Burr, Rep. Bishop

September 21, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) announced with U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Burr (R-NC) and Representative Dan Bishop (NC-09) that they secured a $13.1 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Class III Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) located in southcentral North Carolina.
The project will rehabilitate three bridges, construct two new sidings, install approximately 83,500 new crossties, replace rail along approximately six miles of track, and construct two new storage and two new switching yards. Read more about the grant award HERE.
“The Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway is a lifeline throughout our entire region, critical to transporting goods and supporting jobs across the 8th District,” said Representative Hudson. “I was proud to work with my colleagues to help secure this grant and appreciate the Trump administration’s commitment to infrastructure in our state. I will continue to work with partners at all levels to improve our infrastructure and rebuild our economy.”
"The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway would like to thank Congressman Hudson's team for supporting the $13 million award of federal funding assistance through the USDOT Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Program. We are so deeply grateful to Congressman Hudson and also Senator Tillis, Senator Burr and Congressman Bishop for their fine support," said Jennifer White, President of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway. "Since the time Congressman Hudson toured our rail operations in 2014, we have had a wonderful working relationship with his staff to promote economic development and the rail industry. We were thrilled to get a personal call from Congressman Hudson to tell us of the news of this award, and we look forward to what this means for existing and future shippers on our rail line."
ACWR President White added that the grant will improve the safety and capacity of the railroad and will allow it to continue to attract new industries to North Carolina and strengthen North Carolina's multi-model transportation system.
“The Aberdeen, Carolina, and Western Railway is critical to transporting goods across southcentral North Carolina, and I have been working with my colleagues to secure this funding to make much-needed upgrades to ensure its long-term viability,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to join Senator Burr and Reps. Hudson and Bishop to announce this grant on behalf of the people of central North Carolina, and I want to thank Secretary Chao and President Trump for continuing to prioritize improving infrastructure across the North Carolina and the country.”
“North Carolina’s rail system plays a critical role in the strong economy of the state,” said Senator Burr. “This grant will serve the freight rail needs of numerous cities and towns and attract new business to the South Central region of the state. I am grateful to Secretary Chao for recognizing the significance of this investment to North Carolina’s economic development.”
“Whether or not they realize, nearly all North Carolinians rely on our critical railway systems. This $13 million grant will ensure my constituents in the Ninth District continue to have reliable ways to transport goods,” said Representative Bishop. “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the House and Senate in achieving this monumental grant to ensure the economic viability of my district and all of southcentral North Carolina.”
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