This article out of Wilson, NC is an insight on how NCDOT grants are used. The article sums it up this way:
To help the company expand (Carolina Costal), the N.C. Department of Transportation
approved a $318,600 grant to pay for maintenance and improvement work
to be done on the lines and to build a service pit in Wilson.
Patrick Simions, director of the rail division at NCDOT, said the grant
was part of $2 million Short Line Infrastructure Assistance Program
that NCDOT approved for 11 small freight railroads in the state.
“The premise was to keep the railroad healthy and operations
continuing, which helps retain industry by serving them,” Simions said.
“It’s a basis for future growth.”
Is this truly a wise investment for taxpayers of North Carolina?
