Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced $105,595,000 in federal funding awarded to the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The grant will be used by NCRR in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Norfolk Southern to help complete key components of the freight and passenger rail networks between Greensboro and Raleigh. Already this year, the number of NC By Train passengers has increased by 20% in comparison to 2023. 

This funding will also significantly increase on-time performance for existing Amtrak routes, allow for additional passenger trains along the growing corridor, and help meet growing transportation needs in North Carolina.

In June 2024, Congresswomen Ross was joined by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Ted Budd (R-NC), along with other members of the North Carolina delegation, in supporting NCRR’s application for this grant.

“I am thrilled to see this important investment coming to North Carolina that will help connect critical rail lines across our state,” said Congresswoman Ross. “From the Triangle to the Triad, North Carolina’s rapid growth demands robust transportation solutions that can meet the needs of our communities. I will continue fighting for federal support that will invest in modern transportation options and strengthen our economy.”

This grant will fund a majority of the Carolinian and Piedmont Passenger and Freight improvements project to upgrade the capacity of the NC-Line, owned by the NCRR, to meet the growing demands of both freight and passenger traffic in the state. This project will support various improvements, including reconstructing up to 69 miles of rail and adding over five miles of sidings.

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