R. J. Corman set to soon begin $13 million track upgrades across Kentucky

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, 12:55 a.m. — The Nicholasville-based R. J. Corman Railroad Group will begin work in the next few months on a federally funded project to renovate 246 miles of short-line track it owns – including the 20 miles of rail that connects Bardstown with the CSX railroad in Bullitt County.

The work is part of a $17.5 million grant Corman is receiving to improve its tracks in Kentucky, Tennesse and West Virginia. Most of the money – about $13 million – will be spent in Kentucky. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the state Transportation Cabinet both have given needed approvals for work to begin on Kentucky tracks.

The work will involve rehabilitating miles of track, upgrading railroad crossings and improving bridges and tunnels.

Corman has begun to hire the 50 workers it will need for the project in Kentucky thanks to a job fair the company held earlier this year. If necessary, the company may search for workers in the counties where their tracks are located. A company spokesman said some of these temporary workers will find full-time jobs with the railroad. The temporary employees will make $25 to $30 an hour.

In addition to the federal funding, the company is required to match about 20 percent of the grant. The state is contributing $200,000 to the project.

The Bardstown short line is home to the Old Kentucky Dinner Train, and serves a number of industrial customers which includes Jim Beam Brands.

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