Media Contacts:
Naitore Djigbenou
502.782.4829
Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov
Allen Blair
606.748.3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $7.3 million investment for six projects that will improve railroads and freight movement. The grants are awarded through the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation (KSLIP) program and help fund upgrades like constructing new rail lines, preserving existing lines, and improving drainage to modernize and maintain the state’s railway network.
“Kentucky’s growing economy requires infrastructure that grows with it,” said Gov. Beshear. “These investments help support existing railroad operations to ensure they can continue safely serving the needs of the businesses that rely on them.”
This is the fourth round of KSLIP funding, with previous grant awards announced in April 2026. Team Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet prioritizes and recommend projects based on criteria such as enhancements to existing rail lines, job creation and capital investment, the retention or attraction of rail-served industries, and project readiness. Grant recipients provide a minimum 50% project funding match.
“This grant program is keeping Kentucky competitive for new economic opportunities,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Through careful project assessment, Team Kentucky is able to make targeted, strategic investments that will bring the biggest benefits to Kentuckians and the Commonwealth.”
KSLIP funds were awarded to three railroad companies for a range of projects from repairing and replacing tracks and crossties to installing new rail lines to ensure safe and efficient freight operations.
Paducah and Louisville Railway
- $2 million for the Marshall County Continuous Welded Rail Project
- $2 million for the Paducah Car Shop Rehabilitation Project
- $1.9 million for the Paducah Yard Crosstie Rehabilitation Project
Louisville and Indiana Railroad
- $339,953 for the Louisville Industrial Lead Project
RJ Corman Railroad Group
- $336,360 for the Nugent Sand 4th Track Project
- $649,657 for the Versailles T&S Track Rehabilitation Project
More than $22 million has been awarded through the KSLIP program under the Beshear Administration to strengthen and support Kentucky’s multi-modal transportation system.