The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a Railroad Safety Infrastructure Improvement grant to the Jackson, OH rail line. The FRA grant in the amount of $600,000 will be matched by $450,000 from the Ohio Rail Development Commission and $150,000 from OSCR.
The funds will be utilized to rehabilitate 9.3 miles of track from Hamden, OH to Red Diamond which is the Austin Powder plant. This portion of the line, which carries hazmat material, will be upgraded to Class II condition.
The project will support Austin Powder’s $43,000,000 plant expansion with increased car loadings.