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.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
