​​Georgia Freight Rail Program​​

The new Georgia Freight Rail Program is designed to enhance state investment in freight rail for public benefit.

 

Program Criteria

Rail Enhancement Program

The program may acquire, lease, or improve railways or railroad equipment, including rail crossings, rolling stock, rights of way, or rail facilities.

Rail Preservation Program

The program may acquire, lease, or improve short-line railways or assist other appropriate entities to acquire, lease, or improve short-line railways.

Rail Industrial Access Program

The program may build, construct, restructure, or improve industrial access to railroad tracks and related facilities. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

​​Projects Selected​​​


Norfolk Southern

Passing track improvement in McDonough, Henry County
Amount Award: $8,400,000
Total Project Cost: $21,000,000 ​​​​

SW GA Rail Authority
(SAM Short Line)

Spur track and maintenance/storage facility in Cordele, Crisp County
Amount Award: $1,624,425
Total Project Cost: $1,624,425 ​​​​​​

Georgia Southwestern Railroad

Crossing improvements in Cuthbert, Randolph County
Amount Award: $220,500
Total Project Cost: $450,000 ​​​​​​​​​

 

Georgia Southwestern Railroad

Crossing improvements in Shellman, Randolph County
Amount Award: $110,250
Total Project Cost: $225,000 ​​​​

Cater Parrott Railnet GF Line

Replacement of (4) four box culverts In Lowndes County
Amount Award: $331,020
Total Project Cost: $367,800​​​​​​

Cater Parrott Railnet F Line

Bridge deck stabilization in Madison, Morgan County
Amount Award: $122,466
Total Project Cost: $224,933 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Process

Funds will be distributed by an application-based competitive process.

67%
of available funds will be distributed to the Class 1 railroads​​​​

33%
of available funds will be distributed to the Shortline railroads

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Schedule

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Key Facts

  • Program is established by O.C.G.A 32 2 41.3​
  • Program is subject to annual appropriations​
  • B​oth Class 1s and Short lines are eligible​

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