The North Carolina Ports Authority and 13 short line railroads will receive $10.9 million combined in matching grant funds for improving rail infrastructure.
The grants come from the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program, which was established by the General Assembly in 2013..
Two of the recipients are within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal coverage area. They are as follows:
Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $3,563,324 for bridge improvements, siding construction and mainline track upgrades (Cabarrus, Montgomery, Moore, Stanley, Mecklenburg counties)
Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad: $419,175 for rail upgrades on the mainline (Hoke County)
The grants are matched with railroad investments that will total $21.7M in rail infrastructure improvements across the state. Combined, over 12 miles of railroad track and 35 bridges will be upgraded with the funds.
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken
FirstHealth’s art therapy for cancer patients and caregivers helps attendees reduce stress through creative expression. Photo provided by Deborah Yarborough.Group therapy can provide much-needed support and comfort during difficult times, and t
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar