#United States #Charlotte #Federal Grant #Aberdeen Railway #Rail Improvement

ACWR Receives Significant Federal Funding

Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) has achieved a noteworthy milestone by being awarded a federal grant worth $19.9 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. This financial boost aims to enhance the railway’s infrastructure, a crucial development for the local economy and rail transportation in North Carolina.

In 2022, ACWR strategically acquired the 100-mile Piedmont Division from Norfolk Southern. Since then, the company has committed to investing over $100 million in capital expansions between Charlotte and Star, North Carolina, to accommodate a staggering 600% increase in freight capacity along this division.

The upcoming project focuses on modernizing the railway infrastructure, which currently consists of tracks that date back to the early 1900s. The initiative will cover approximately 30 miles of continuous welded rail in Montgomery and Stanly counties. Anthony Menzies, the CEO of ACWR, stated, “A healthy rail network is critical to take freight off our nation's highways. We thank the FRA and USDOT for supporting projects like ours.” This grant will contribute to a total of $41 million allocated for rail infrastructure improvements, with the ACWR and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) covering 52% of the non-federal match.

Support for this initiative has come from a consortium of local leaders, including Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, Representatives Mark Harris, Richard Hudson, Alma Adams, and Brad Knott, along with various freight customers and state officials. Senator Budd emphasized the importance of upgrading North Carolina's rail infrastructure, highlighting that it will allow for heavier loads and faster transit, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the supply chain in the state.

The ACWR serves significant clients such as Perdue and Mountaire Farms, responsible for processing millions of chickens daily and sustaining over 150,000 jobs in the region. Additionally, Charlotte Pipe's recent relocation of its foundry to Stanly County aligns with the ACWR rail line, resulting in an economic impact nearing half a billion dollars.

Congressman Mark Harris echoed the sentiment that modernizing rail infrastructure in Stanly and Montgomery counties is vital for improving safety and strengthening freight transport. He stated, “A safe, reliable rail network is essential to ensure that south-central North Carolina remains economically strong and competitive for years to come.”

Moreover, the success of this grant application can be attributed to the ongoing public-private partnership between ACWR and NCDOT Rail Division, which played a vital role in the development process. Jason Orthner, Director of the NCDOT Rail Division, expressed pride in supporting short-line partners like ACWR as they enhance rail connections for local businesses. He remarked that such investments foster efficient goods movement and position communities for sustained economic growth.

This grant not only represents a financial investment in infrastructure but also reflects a commitment to supporting North Carolina’s economic landscape through strategic transportation improvements. With a healthier rail network, ACWR is poised to significantly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of freight operations across the state, enhancing job creation and economic vitality.

For more information about ACWR and its ongoing projects, visit ACWR's official website.