Harris Announces Nearly $20 Million to Modernize Rail Infrastructure in South-Central North Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) announced that Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) has been awarded $19.9 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. This summer, Congressman Harris advocated for the investment in a letter to the FRA.

“Modernizing our rail infrastructure in Stanly and Montgomery counties will improve safety, strengthen freight transportation, and support the businesses that drive our local economy,” said Congressman Harris. “I was proud to support this project because a safe, reliable rail network is essential to ensuring south-central North Carolina remains economically strong and competitive for years to come. This nearly $20 million federal investment is a major win for North Carolina’s 8th District.”

The funding will support approximately 30 miles of rail upgrades in Stanly and Montgomery counties, replacing aging track dating back to the early 1900s with modern continuous welded rail. These improvements will enhance safety, increase freight capacity, and improve the efficiency of rail transportation for businesses and industries throughout the region.

“A healthy rail network is critical to take freight off of our nation’s highways, and we thank the FRA and USDOT for supporting projects like ours,” said Anthony Menzies, CEO of Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway.

The federal grant is part of a $41 million infrastructure investment, with ACWR and the North Carolina Department of Transportation providing  the remaining 52 percent in non-federal matching funds. The project builds on previous improvements to ACWR’s Piedmont rail corridor, which serves agricultural producers, manufacturers, and other businesses throughout south-central North Carolina.

Read Congressman Harris’s letter of support here.

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