By Stu Johnson
Richmond, KY – A project that better connects Kentucky with the nation's railway system is underway. The Appalachian Regional Short Line Project is partially funded with 17-million dollars from the federal government. Noel Rush, who's with the R-J Corman Railroad Group, says trains can be more efficient than trucks.
"Railroads move one ton of freight approximately 500 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, fuel efficiencies contributes to reducing greenhouse gases, emissions such as carbon dioxide nitrites oxide and are three to four times more efficient railroads are three to four times more fuel efficient than trucking,." Said Rush.
The short line project will repair 250-miles of aging track in 12 Kentucky counties including Fayette, Jefferson, and Scott. R-J Corman's Short Line serves 81 customers and carries more than 28 thousand carloads of aluminum, sand, and other goods.
Rick Corman, who owns the railroad owner, says someday electricity could power his freight trains.
"Yeah, I think there will, absolutely yes sir, in time, depends on the price of fuel that's what drives it all," added Corman.
Rush, meanwhile, says the work will require hiring about 50 new
employees.