Perry County Port Authority Receives $11.6 Million
RAISE Grant to Transform Rail Infrastructure
TELL CITY, IN. (June 28, 2023) – The Perry County Port Authority (PCPA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) FY 2023 RAISE Grant program. This grant, in the amount of $11,575,000, will enable the PCPA to complete a transformative upgrade to more than 14 miles of aging railroad track. This critical infrastructure investment will enable the PCPA to achieve its long-standing objective of reaching the industry standard 286,000-pound railcar capacity.
This funding milestone marks a significant step forward and underscores the commitment of the PCPA to modernize and enhance the region’s transportation & supply chain capabilities. The grant, awarded by the USDOT, recognizes the vital role of the PCPA in fostering economic growth, job creation, and improved connectivity in the area.
The Perry County Port Authority has long recognized the need to revitalize the existing railroad track infrastructure, which has served the community and local industry for the last 30 years. With the support of the RAISE grant, the PCPA can now undertake a comprehensive track replacement and rehabilitation project that will not only enhance safety and efficiency but also facilitate increased freight capacity.
“This RAISE grant award is a game changer for us,” said Jared Kleemann, General Manager of the Perry County Port Authority. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for their recognition of the critical nature and importance of this project. This grant will allow us to transform our rail infrastructure, paving the way for increased economic opportunities and positioning Perry County as a strategic logistics hub for commerce and trade in our area and beyond.”
The replacement and rehabilitation of the railroad track will provide numerous benefits to the region, including improved freight transportation, lower transportation costs for customers, reduced congestion on roadways, and enhanced connectivity to regional and national markets. Moreover, the project is expected to generate job opportunities during both the construction phase and the subsequent operation of the upgraded rail network.
The Perry County Port Authority would like to extend its gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who collaborated in securing this grant award. Their commitment and support have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
Looking ahead, the PCPA is eager to commence work on this initiative and is committed to delivering a high-quality rail infrastructure that meets the needs of local businesses, strengthens the economy, and fosters regional growth.
For more information about the RAISE Grant program, visit https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants.
For more information about the Perry County Port Authority, visit https://www.pcrailport.net
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jared Kleemann
General Manager, Perry County Port Authority
Phone: (812) 608-1905
Email: jaredk@pcrailport.net
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