Rep. Barr Applauds $43.6 Million Federal Grant Awarded to Kentucky-Based R. J. Corman

Lexington, KY - Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) applauded the announcement that R. J. Corman Railroad Company, headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky, has been awarded a $43.6 million federal grant through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The funding will support the company's Southeastern Short Line Freight Rail Track Improvement Project, representing a total investment of approximately $62.3 million in freight rail infrastructure across the southeastern United States.

Congressman Barr advocated for R. J. Corman's successful grant application through a letter of support. The award highlights the important role Kentucky-headquartered companies play in strengthening America's transportation infrastructure, supporting domestic industries, and keeping American goods moving. Barr also recently welcomed U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Kentucky to discuss regional transportation priorities.

"R. J. Corman is a great Kentucky success story, and I'm proud to support this $43.6 million investment in strengthening our nation's freight rail infrastructure," said Congressman Barr. "Reliable freight transportation is critical to moving American-made goods, supporting our farmers and manufacturers, and keeping our regional economy competitive. I was proud to advocate for this project through a letter of support and bring Secretary Sean Duffy to Kentucky recently to discuss important regional transportation priorities. This investment will strengthen supply chains and help businesses across the Southeast get their products to market more safely and efficiently."

The project will fund critical infrastructure improvements across eight short line railroads in the southeastern United States. While the rail improvements will take place outside Kentucky, the project will be led by R. J. Corman, a Kentucky-headquartered company with a longstanding history in the American railroad industry.

The improvements will include replacing and rehabilitating aging rail, crossties, switches, ballast, grade crossings, and other track components to improve safety, reliability, and freight transportation efficiency. The participating railroads serve more than 120 shippers transporting agricultural products, manufactured goods, aggregates, chemicals, metals, energy products, and critical minerals.

"Short line railroads provide essential connections between American businesses and the national freight network," said Justin Broyles, President and CEO of R. J. Corman Railroad Group. "This investment will allow us to strengthen the infrastructure that manufacturers, farmers, energy producers, and other businesses depend on every day. Improving these railroads means safer and more reliable freight transportation, stronger supply chains and better infrastructure to support American industry and economic growth."

U.S. Congressmen James Comer (R-KY-01) and Hal Rogers (R-KY-05) also supported the project and recognized the role of Kentucky businesses in strengthening the nation's transportation network.

"R. J. Corman is a great example of Kentucky ingenuity and the success that comes from hard work. I am proud to support this $43.6 million investment, which will help modernize critical rail infrastructure, strengthen our economy, and support good-paying jobs. Our farmers, manufacturers, and businesses depend on reliable transportation networks to move their products and reach new markets. This grant will build on Kentucky's economic strengths, create new opportunities, and help ensure our communities remain great places to live, work, and do business," said U.S. Congressman James Comer (R-KY-01).

"The iconic red R. J. Corman trains moving through Kentucky and surrounding states are a reminder of the firm foundation that has been laid for our rail infrastructure and the bold investments required to keep America first. I was proud to support this important investment in our supply chain in Rural America, ensuring that our farmers and businesses have the infrastructure necessary for American-made deliveries," said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05), Dean of the House.

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky, R. J. Corman Railroad Company operates 19 short line railroads across 11 states. The company employs approximately 1,400 people in 24 states and provides railroad services including track construction, emergency response, switching operations, and signal design and construction.

The federal award underscores the national reach of a Kentucky-founded business and its continued role in maintaining the infrastructure that American farmers, manufacturers, and businesses depend on.

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