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NATCHEZ—More than $7 million in federal funding will help support the Natchez Railway’s regional growth while improving rail safety and increasing freight traffic capacity.

The FY23-24 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant will propel these essential upgrades and development in Natchez, company officials said.

The $10 million project will be funded through a $7.7 million CRISI grant and a $2.3 million investment by the railway company.

“The grant will facilitate critical infrastructure enhancements that will not only elevate general rail safety but also enable NTZR to meet the needs of expanding industries and new employers in Natchez,” said Kellen Desmond, president of A&K Railroad Materials Inc., which owns and operates the Natchez Railway. “This strategic investment reinforces our commitment to fostering economic development and bolstering the local economy through reliable and robust rail connections.”

The Natchez Railway is the only east-west railway in Southwest Mississippi and connects Natchez to the Canadian National main line in Brookhaven. It was in danger of being shut down in 2009 when Natchez Inc. spearheaded a $16 million public-private project to rehabilitate the railroad line. When it reopened in March 2022, the railway was described as “the gold standard” of short-line railways.

Chandler Russ, president of Natchez Inc., said the Natchez Railway is a key component in economic development growth at the Natchez-Adams County Port and for recruiting potential new industries to Natchez. The railway transports materials from the port — grains, aggregate products, chemicals and more  – and provides access to the Canadian National network of rail lines.

“This grant and project are great news,” Russ said this week. “We’re excited about what this means for Natchez and Adams County.”

Desmond agreed. “We are just thrilled,” he said. “We think this is going to be a big project that is going to be so good for the Natchez Railway.”

Russ said the $10 million project will include improvements to public safety and rail access, including improving concrete grade crossings in several areas in Natchez and Adams County. “We’ll also be doing vital modifications to connect to the industrial park, which will allow us to get better service into the industrial area,” Desmond said.

‘These improvements will help the railway move freight more efficiently and more safely,” Russ said.

Russ said while saving the railway and reestablishing it was the first step, increasing its use is the next important step for the region.

“This project is really exciting and we appreciate Sen. (Roger) Wicker’s support and help in making this grant happen,” Russ said.

Desmond reiterated the Natchez Railway’s commitment to the area.

“We’re committed to seeing that railway thrive once again and seeing new opportunities for the Natchez community and the railway,” Desmond said.