Rouzer Secures Federal Funding to Strengthen North Carolina’s Freight Rail Network

Rouzer Secures Federal Funding to Strengthen North Carolina's Freight Rail Network

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) announced up to $43.6 million in federal funding will be awarded to R.J. Corman Railroad Group through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The funding will strengthen freight rail infrastructure across North Carolina and the Southeast.

The project includes infrastructure improvements to R.J. Corman's Raleigh and Fayetteville Railroad (RFCC), a 63-mile short line connecting Raleigh and Fayetteville, and Carolina Lines (RJCS), an 88.5-mile railroad running from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Chadbourn, North Carolina.

Planned improvements include replacing worn rail and crossties and rehabilitating track and grade-crossing surfaces. These upgrades are expected to reduce temporary speed restrictions and derailment risks, improve service reliability, and preserve critical rail connections linking North Carolina businesses to the national freight network.

"Our nation's rail network plays a critical role in moving freight across the country and supporting American businesses," said Congressman Rouzer. "I'm proud to have worked with R.J. Corman to secure federal funding to modernize Raleigh and Fayetteville Railroad (RFCC), Carolina Lines (RJCS), and other rail lines to meet growing demand. I appreciate R.J. Corman's commitment to these investments, which will strengthen North Carolina's economy and the broader Southeast, enhance rail network resilience, and keep goods moving safely and efficiently."

"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."

In September 2026, Congressman Rouzer sent a letter to Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink urging support for R.J. Corman's grant application. In the letter, he emphasized the importance of rehabilitating these rail lines to maintain confidence in the rail network at the local, regional, and national levels.

The project will benefit eight railroads serving 120 shippers across the agriculture, manufacturing, aggregates, chemicals, metals, energy production, ores, and critical minerals industries.

Background

R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC, provides a range of services, including emergency response, track material distribution, short line railroad operations, industrial switching, and signal design and construction.

The CRISI program, administered by the FRA within the U.S. Department of Transportation, provides funding for rail infrastructure projects that improve safety, efficiency, and reliability.