Awarded $27.4 million CRISI grant to improve passenger and freight system in Chester
[Chester County, S.C., November 4, 2024] – With the announcement of grants under its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Chester County for more than $27.4M in new rail grant funding. The CRISI Program provides funding for capital projects that improve passenger and freight rail transportation systems in terms of safety, efficiency, and/or reliability.
The CRISI award for Chester County’s ‘Piedmont Regional Rail Capacity Improvement Project’ (the Project) addresses multiple track and signal improvements on the Lancaster & Chester Railroad (L&C) and its interchange with Norfolk Southern (NS). L&C and NS will contribute a twenty percent (20%) non-Federal match to the Project. Upon completion it is anticipated that the Project will create opportunities for increased rail served business in Chester County while also providing decreased traffic congestion at current downtown rail crossings.
About Chester County Economic Development
Created by Chester County in 2004, the mission of Chester County Economic Development (CCED) is to create an environment that supports existing industry expansion, encourages new industry investments, fosters entrepreneurialism and welcomes visitation by others – all of which support the provision of public services and otherwise improves each citizen’s prosperity and overall quality of life. Since 2020, CCED has been responsible for 31 announcements with $2.55 billion in new capital investment and the creation of 1,507 jobs. For more information, visit https://choosechester.com/.
Today’s investments in our rail systems reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more resilient transportation network. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding rail infrastructure projects that create jobs and expand workforce development, reduce costs for consumers, and directly benefit communities across the country. Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient.
L&C is pleased to work with our Chester County partners to increase rail served business in a more efficient manner. Continued growth on the L&C Railroad requires additional infrastructure investment and this Project will do so in a manner that lessens interaction between vehicular traffic and the Railroad.
Chester County to delighted to partner with the L&C Railroad to improve the flow of railcars from the L&C and Norfolk Southern through Chester. Once the work is completed, it should reduce traffic stoppages near downtown. We are excited to be awarded this CRISI grant!
Thanks to the L&C Railroad, Chester County is one of the only places in the southeast U.S. that can offer dual rail service. These improvements will increase efficiencies to existing L&C customers and make us more attractive for future economic development projects. The L&C and Norfolk Southern are great community partners.