At the urging of Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) this week awarded Chatham County, Georgia a grant to remove unnecessary railroad crossings and improve traffic mobility in cities surrounding the Port of Savannah.
The $1.87 million grant, funded through the FY22 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, will support planning and project development to eliminate eleven at-grade crossings on CSX and Norfolk Southern right-of-way. This move will increase access to the Port of Savannah by allowing for the operation of longer trains and making it easier for residents to access neighborhoods previously divided by rail lines.
“I am thrilled that the DOT saw the value in improving mobility around the Savannah Port,” said Rep. Carter. “By removing some traffic headaches and improving access to the Port, we will be able to run our lives and businesses more efficiently, helping strengthen important international supply chains and allowing for smart, sustainable growth in Chatham County.”
“The grant money secured with the help of Congressman Carter will help ensure this important community improvement project will move forward, benefitting residents and businesses alike within Chatham County,” said Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester A. Ellis. “Eliminating certain railroad crossings in Savannah, Garden City and Port Wentworth will fulfill a need to improve mobility for those living around the Port of Savannah.”
“At the Georgia Ports Authority, it’s important to be a good neighbor, as well as a powerful economic engine for our local communities and the state of Georgia,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “Reducing the impact of freight rail on residents and commuters, while increasing our cargo handling capability is a win-win for Chatham County.”
Additional funds for this project will be supplied by the Georgia Ports Authority, CSX, and Chatham County.
