November 10, 2026

R. J. Corman Honors Senator Jessie Seal and Representative Rick Eldridge as Rail Champions

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. – R. J. Corman Railroad Company recognized Tennessee Senator Jessie Seal and Representative Rick Eldridge as R. J. Corman Rail Champions on Monday, November 9, during a ceremony at the Knoxville and Cumberland Gap Railroad (KXCG) in Cumberland Gap.

The Rail Champion recognition honors individuals who demonstrate leadership in supporting freight rail, economic development, and the communities R. J. Corman serves.

Seal and Eldridge sponsored legislation during the 2026 General Assembly to strengthen the Northeast Tennessee Railroad Authority. Senate Bill 1739/House Bill 1676, now law, created a pathway for Claiborne, Union, and Grainger counties to join the Authority.

“Senator Seal and Representative Eldridge have been tremendous partners to R. J. Corman and the communities served by the KXCG,” said Tyler White, Vice President of Government Affairs for R. J. Corman Railroad Group. “They understand the important role freight rail plays in supporting existing businesses and creating economic opportunities across East Tennessee. We are proud to recognize them as Rail Champions.”

Seal and Eldridge also submitted letters in support of R. J. Corman’s successful federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant application. The project will bring approximately $14 million in planned improvements to the KXCG.

The CRISI project was also backed by members of Tennessee's federal delegation, including U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and U.S. Representative Tim Burchett.

“This is what partnership looks like,” White said. “R. J. Corman is investing alongside the federal government, with strong support from leaders at the state and federal levels. This investment will strengthen the KXCG for the future and help ensure it continues to support our customers, communities, and economic growth across the region.”

“It is my privilege to work with the team at R. J. Corman. They provide a vital service to communities and businesses in my district. I look forward to a long-lasting partnership.” — State Senator Jessie Seal (TN-8)

R. J. Corman operates the 131-mile KXCG, which connects northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky and provides freight rail service to businesses across the region.

About R. J. Corman Railroad Company, LLC  

R. J. Corman Railroad Company, LLC operates 19 short line railroads in 11 states and is a subsidiary of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC. Altogether, the company employs approximately 1,400 people in 24 states. In addition to short line railroad and switching operations, R. J. Corman companies provide a broad scope of services to the railroad industry, such as emergency response, track material distribution, track construction, and signal design and construction. For more information about the company, visit www.rjcorman.com.

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