Dyersburg, TN – The Tennken Railroad, a stalwart short-line railroad serving communities in Tennessee and Kentucky, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $7.37 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant. This grant will be used to rehabilitate 43 miles of track to industry standards, fostering economic growth and ensuring the continued vitality of the region's rail transportation network.
The Tennken Railroad, with its 53-mile track spanning from Dyersburg, TN, to Hickman, KY, has been an integral part of the region's transportation landscape for over 40 years. Facing numerous challenges steaming from deferred maintenance as an Illinois Central branch line, the Tennken Railroad has tirelessly worked to maintain its operations and uphold its commitment to serving the communities it connects.
This significant investment, a total of $11 million when combined with matching funds from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennken Railroad, and the Hickman River City Development Corporation, will drive crucial infrastructure improvements along the rail line. These improvements will play a pivotal role in supporting existing industry and welcoming new businesses to the area. One such development is the eagerly anticipated Sinova Global Silicon Metal plant in Tiptonville, TN.
The Sinova Global Silicon Metal plant, currently under construction, represents a substantial economic opportunity for the region. The rehabilitation of the Tennken Railroad's track will enable efficient transportation of goods and materials, facilitating the success and growth of this important industrial project.
"The CRISI grant is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Tennken Railroad and the communities it serves," said JJ Hohorst, President of the Tennken Railroad. "We are immensely grateful for this investment, which will not only rejuvenate our infrastructure but also strengthen our capacity to support economic development and job creation in the region. This grant marks a new chapter in the history of our railroad and the communities we proudly serve."
The Tennken Railroad extends its sincere appreciation to the Federal Railroad Administration for their support through the CRISI grant program and acknowledges the invaluable partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Hickman River City Development Corporation and several other regional partners.
For more information about the Tennken Railroad and its ongoing projects, please visit www.tkenrr.com.
About Tennken Railroad: The Tennken Railroad is a short-line railroad with a rich history of serving communities in Tennessee and Kentucky for over 40 years. Committed to providing reliable transportation solutions, Tennken Railroad plays a vital role in facilitating economic growth and industrial development in the region.