Rail operator asks Horry County for funding commitment to leverage federal CRISI grant

Representatives from RJ Korman (presenters introduced by the Chair) outlined progress since acquiring an idled line in 2016 and said the operation has grown to move "roughly around ... 8 to 9,000 this year on a railroad," reducing truck traffic and improving freight options. They described more than $32 million invested in infrastructure and identified a multi-state upgrade package they plan to enter into the federal CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement) grant competition; they said the grant pool could be substantial and that the program is expected to issue NOFOs in the coming months.

Presenters asked the county to consider a local funding commitment as part of a 70/30 federal/local funding model and said the Horry County segment of the project could require a multi-million-dollar county match; one presenter noted that "there is estimated about $1,300,000,000 of funding available in that pool." Committee members asked for a diagram and a list of specific crossings to be improved, flagged the need to confirm the county's budget posture before a formal commitment and agreed to revisit the request at next month's meeting so staff can prepare the commitment letter options and financial analysis.