U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Tours R.J. Corman's Rail Yard in Lexington, KY

Discusses Importance of Railroad Contracting to the Local and National Railway Network

Monday, June 2, 2014
by: Ashley Bosch

Section: 2014 NRC Grassroots Events

Host your own NRC Grassroots Event

The NRC's grassroots program was created to invite United States Congressmen to visit NRC member facilities and construction project sites. These visits give the Members of Congress firsthand knowledge of the rail industry and demonstrate how rail contractors and suppliers are positively affecting the rail industry and the local and national economy. If your company is interested in hosting your Congressman for a visit, please contact Ashley Bosch to begin the process.

Lexington, KY - On 6/2/14, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) joined representatives from R.J. Corman Railroad Group (R.J. Corman) and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of R.J. Corman's rail yard in Lexington, KY. Additional attendees included R.J. Corman customers Standlee Premium Western Foliage and Clay Ingles Company, LLC as well as Kentucky State Senator Tom Buford (Senate District 22) and representatives from GoRail. GoRail is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of moving more freight by rail. The NRC organized the event.

Upon his arrival, Congressman Barr was greeted by R.J. Corman's executive team, including R.J. Corman Railroad Group President & CEO Craig King, R.J. Corman Railroad Group Board of Directors Chairman Fred Mudge, R.J. Corman Railroad Company President Michael Wester, R.J. Corman Railroad Group Vice President of Strategic Sales & Marketing and NRC Board Member Nathan Henderson, R.J. Corman Railroad Company Assistant Vice President Brian Miller, R.J. Corman Railroad Group Director of Public Affairs April Corman Colyer, and R.J. Corman Railroad Group Director of Strategic Initiatives Korey Colyer which then briefed the Congressman on the company's overview and current operations. R. J. Corman Railroad Group serves all seven North American major railroads, many regional and short line railroads, and dozens of industries utilizing rail. Their services include owning and operating ten short lines, providing emergency rail services associated with derailments and natural disasters, switching, track construction, track material distribution, signal design/construction, aircraft maintenance, building switching locomotives, and operating two dinner trains. R. J. Corman Railroad Group has divisions in 24 states and employs over 1,300 people, 400 of which are located in the state of Kentucky.

After a safety briefing, the Congressman was led on a tour of the rail yard, which included a mechanical shop, sand train operations, a steam locomotive, and a dinning and kitchen car. The event concluded with a train ride from Lexington to Midway and back.

"It was a pleasure to meet with the employees and leadership of the R.J. Corman Railroad Group today," said Rep. Barr. "Our meeting highlighted the importance of rail transportation both throughout Central Kentucky and the United States. This family business is a true testament to the foresight of the late Rick Corman and his many contributions to both the railroad industry and our community."

Pictured from left to right: Kentucky State Senator Tom Buford, Congressman Andy Barr, R.J. Corman Railroad Group President & CEO Craig King, R.J. Corman Railroad Company Mechanical Superintendent Steve Jones, and R.J. Corman Railroad Company President Michael Wester

The event also received coverage in
Rep. Barr tours R.J. Corman yard; speaks to contractors' role in national rail network. RT&S: http://www.rtands.com/index.php/freight/shortline-regional/rep-barr-tours-rj-corman-yard-speaks-to-contractors-role-in-national-rail-network.html?channel=276

Name
Email
Comment