Edwards announces grant for Haywood County railroad affected by Pactiv Evergreen closure

Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced that Blue Ridge Southern Railroad in Haywood County will be awarded $12.6 million in funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

"As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m pleased to announce that $12.6 million will be awarded to Blue Ridge Southern Railroad for its rail line in Haywood County, which was adversely impacted by the Pactiv Evergreen mill shutdown in Canton. This project is part of a larger Federal Railroad Administration grant of $1.4 billion for 70 projects,” said Congressman Edwards.

“The Blue Ridge Southern Railroad is essential to serving the Premier Magnesia plants in Waynesville, one of Haywood County’s largest employers. It is critical to keeping Premier Magnesia in Haywood County, and to maintaining a future industrial presence in the area. I am grateful to the FRA for recognizing the importance of this rail line to WNC."

Read more about the CRISI program here.