RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced today that three businesses, SharpTech USA, LLC in Accomack County, Queen City Logistics Center, LLC in the City of Staunton, and the Norfolk Terminal, LP in Hampton Roads will receive a grant through the agency’s Rail Industrial Access Program to rehabilitate existing or construct new track access to their facilities. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the grants Tuesday.
DRPT administers the Rail Industrial Access program with the goal of promoting truck diversion through grant assistance that connects new or expanding businesses to the freight railroad network. By promoting truck diversion and connecting businesses to the freight railroad network, this program contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the transportation network. The maximum award per project is $750,000.
"DRPT is pleased to partner with the businesses receiving grants from the Rail Industrial Access Program,” said DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl. “These investments in rail access promote economic growth and sustainable transportation, core elements of DRPT’s mission."
Below are details for each project:
SharpTech USA, LLC
SharpTech USA, LLC is a leading provider of high-quality grade glycols and custom blending systems located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. With a focus on importing raw materials and exporting finished products, SharpTech USA, LLC aims to enhance their rail infrastructure through track rehabilitation. The company will receive $450,000 in grant funding with a total public/private investment of $700,000.
Queen City Logistics Center
This facility located in Staunton specializes in diesel exhaust fluid blending and aims to import raw materials for blending and distribution to Pilot Company Stores. The project includes the construction of 60 feet of new track and the rehabilitation of 1115 feet of existing track. Queen City Logistics Center will $301,000 in grant funding with a total public/private investment of $2.9 million.
Norfolk Terminal, LP
Norfolk Terminal, a transload and warehousing facility, focuses on exporting plastics/PVC through the Port of Virginia. To enhance their rail capabilities, Norfolk Terminal plans to construct 1,524 feet of new track. The company will receive $560,000 from the grant with a total public/private investment of $59.9 million.
For more information about the Rail Industrial Access Program and its recipients, please visit https://drpt.virginia.gov/our-grant-programs/rail-industrial-access-ria/.
DRPT's mission is to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. The agency works with rail and public transportation stakeholders to provide service to people throughout Virginia and promotes transportation options to the general public, businesses, and community decision makers. DRPT's vision is a connected Commonwealth with an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. For more information, please visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.
