Sen. Ossoff Continues Work to Upgrade Georgia’s Rail Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is continuing his bipartisan work to improve Georgia's transportation infrastructure.

Sen. Ossoff is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to upgrade Georgia's short-line rail infrastructure.

The tax credit that short-line railroads can claim to help maintain and improve their tracks has not increased since 2005, despite significant cost changes. According to experts, improperly maintained tracks can delay shipments, leading to greater safety risks, reduced supply chain efficiency, lower fuel efficiency, and more.

The bipartisan bill, first introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), would increase the maximum tax credit that can be claimed by short-line railroads to upgrade and maintain tracks.

"Short-line railroads are important to Georgia's economy," Sen. Ossoff said. "That is why I am working across the aisle to deliver need upgrades to short-line rail and support industries across the State."

Sen. Ossoff continues working to upgrade Georgia's infrastructure.

In June, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with CSX amid a string of train derailments that threatened public safety.

In January, Sen. Ossoff delivered Federal resources through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, created and funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law, to help eliminate blocked railroad crossings across Georgia.

In 2023, working closely with the Candler County Industrial Development Authority, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to deliver resources for upgrades to the Metter-Register short rail line in Candler County.

Click here to read S.1532.

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