Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Awards Grant to SIMS Metals for Rail Access Project
 The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced the approval of a $750,000 grant under its Rail Industrial Access Program to SIMS Metals, a metal recycling facility located in Chesapeake, Virginia. During its January 2025 meeting yesterday, the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to award the grant, which will assist in connecting the facility to the freight railroad network.
SIMS Metals plans to utilize the grant to construct over 400 linear feet of new track, including an in-track scale, as part of a total investment of $20 million. This project is expected to yield significant benefits, including the diversion of almost 2,000 trucks per year from local roads, the creation of new jobs, and a 46 percent private investment. SIMS Metals imports ferrous and non-ferrous recycled metals and exports sorted metals to steel mills, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of the recycling industry in Virginia.
The Rail Industrial Access Program aims to promote truck diversion by providing grant assistance for projects that enhance rail access for new or expanding businesses. Supported projects include engineering, site preparation, track construction, track rehabilitation, track improvement, environmental mitigation, and mainline railroad switch installation. The grant requires a 30 percent match from the applicant.
“The Rail Industrial Access Program continues to play a vital role in supporting Virginia’s growing economy while enhancing the sustainability of our transportation network,” said DRPT Director Tiffany Robinson. “By connecting SIMS Metals to the freight rail system, this project not only promotes environmentally responsible practices but also reduces truck traffic, creating safer and more efficient travel for residents and businesses in the region.”
For more information about the Rail Industrial Access Program or other DRPT initiatives, visit DRPT’s website.
About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
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.
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