October 20, 2026

R. J. Corman Railroad Company, LLC Awarded CRISI Grant to Improve Eight Southeastern Short Line Railroads

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. – R. J. Corman Railroad Company today announced that its Southeastern Short Line Freight Rail Track Improvement Project has been awarded $43.6 million through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, supporting a total project investment of approximately $62.3 million.

The project includes strategic investments across eight R. J. Corman railroads serving communities and industries in Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.  

Funding will support critical infrastructure improvements, including rail replacement, crosstie installation, switch upgrades, grade crossing improvements, and other track enhancements. These investments will strengthen freight rail service for more than 120 customers across a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, aggregates, chemicals, metals, and energy production.  

"This investment is an important step toward strengthening the short line railroads that help keep America's economy moving," said Justin Broyles, President and Chief Executive Officer of R. J. Corman Railroad Group. "The improvements made possible through this grant will enhance safety, improve reliability, preserve critical transportation infrastructure, and support future economic growth across our network. We are grateful for the confidence placed in R. J. Corman and proud to work alongside federal, state, and local partners to deliver lasting benefits for our customers, the communities we serve, and the nation's supply chain."  

R. J. Corman extends its sincere appreciation to Secretary Sean Duffy, FRA Administrator David Fink, and the dedicated professionals of the Federal Railroad Administration for their leadership and commitment to strengthening the nation's freight rail infrastructure.  

The company also recognizes the many partners who supported the project throughout the application process, including members of Congress, governors, state transportation departments, rail authorities, economic development organizations, local governments, community leaders, and customers across the project area. Their support reflects a shared understanding of the vital role short line railroads play in connecting businesses to national markets and supporting the long-term competitiveness of the communities they serve.

The Southeastern Short Line Freight Rail Track Improvement Project is expected to reduce operational bottlenecks and support future industrial and economic development opportunities throughout the region. The project will also help preserve and strengthen a freight rail network that serves thousands of businesses while reducing truck traffic on the nation's highways.  

R. J. Corman looks forward to partnering with the Federal Railroad Administration and stakeholders throughout the project area to successfully deliver this transformative investment in America's freight rail network.

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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