AMERICUS, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG), a short line freight railroad
operating across the state of Georgia on 219 miles of track leased from
the Georgia Department of Transportation, thanks all those who supported
the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements
(CRISI) Program grant awarded to Georgia DOT last week.
The $820,000 grant will enable the HOG to upgrade track and restore
service on two miles of rail line in Nunez, Ga.
“This is another step to restore rail-freight service along the entire
HOG line between Midvale and Preston, Georgia,” said Andy Chunko, the
railroad’s president. “We greatly appreciate the commitment from the
State of Georgia, state legislators and communities along the line to
continue this work and look forward to the day that HOG can provide
customers along the entire corridor with competitive access to the
national rail freight network.”
“These are the partnerships that help rural and urban communities thrive
economically,” said Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Ronald
Batory in the June 12 announcement of the awards. “The participation of
multiple partners demonstrates the importance of these funds and tells
us they will be a key asset in improving safety for communities and
railroads around the country.”
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act authorized the
CRISI Program, which funds a wide range of projects that improve the
safety, efficiency and reliability of intercity passenger and freight
rail systems. Over one-third of the $326 million in grant funds were
awarded to rural projects such as those in Georgia.
About HOG
Heart of Georgia Railroad, Inc., a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc.,
runs from Preston to Midville, Ga., transporting freight including
automotive parts, crossties, fertilizer, intermodal, lumber and
paperboard. It interchanges with CSX at Cordele, Ga.; Georgia Central
Railway at Vidalia, Ga.; Georgia Southwestern Railroad and Norfolk
Southern Railway at Americus; and the Georgia Southern Railway at
Midville, Ga. Learn more at www.gwrr.com/hog
Contacts
Michael Williams, G&W Corporate Communications
(203) 202-8900
