JEFFERSONVILLE — The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, has awarded a $10 million grant to the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville for a major transportation project.
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grant will help the Ports pay for its Truck-to-Rail and Rail-to-Water Improvement Project that will extend its rail line.
The project will allow the Port to handle more freight capacity and transfer bulk products from trucks and rail to barges more efficiently.
"Transportation plays an important role in growing Indiana's economy, and this investment in our infrastructure should mean more jobs and opportunity for Hoosiers," U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., stated in a news release. "Extending the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville's rail track will double its freight-handling capacity and reduce congestion on rail and roadways, while creating additional jobs throughout the supply chain."
River Ridge Commerce Center Executive Director Jerry Acy congratulated the Port, adding the two entities have synergy.
"This federal grant will allow the Port to extend and improve rail services and help to create the future transportation corridor link between our economic development hubs," Acy stated in a news release.
Two weeks ago, River Ridge and Port officials broke ground on a $30.4 million heavy haul road that will connect the two.
"Anything we can do to strengthen the infrastructure for the region will make us more attractive to companies looking to expand and entice them to grow their business here," Acy said. "The more companies we bring to the region, the more jobs we can help create for Hoosiers."
Donnelly sent a letter of support of the Port's grant application to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx in June. His staff remained in contact with the department throughout the grant's process, according to a news release.
"This federal grant should benefit the Port and the surrounding communities as they continue efforts to improve the area's infrastructure," Donnelly said.