OHIO RAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Freight Development/Rail Spur Program Summary

 

OVERVIEW
The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) provides assistance to companies for new rail and rail-related infrastructure. The goal of this program is to promote the retention and development of Ohio companies through the use of effective rail transportation. Additionally, companies who are considering adding rail to existing operations in the state are also eligible under this program. ORDC works closely with the Ohio Department of Development and other public and private development related organizations to provide assistance to companies. For funding consideration, an applicant may need to provide some or all of the information below:

Grant funding is generally limited to projects where significant  job creation or retention is involved (25 or more jobs). Applicants must commit to job creation/retention numbers subject to contractual clawbacks. Further, applicants are required to commit to rail usage, also subject to clawbacks.

ORDC loan financing is available to qualified applicants even when jobs are NOT being created or retained. ORDC's standard loan package is a five year loan term and an interest rate which equals 2/3 of prime at the time of the loan closing. Collateral or a letter of credit is required.

Prevailing Wage Laws generally apply to rail projects funded with ORDC grant or loan funds. 
 

CRITERIA (not all will apply to all projects)
1. Briefly describe overall company, including parent organization if applicable. Include products made, locations of plants, markets served, overall size in terms of sales volumes and employees, and other relevant data.
2. Provide detailed description of the project including:
• How new plant or expansion (project) fits into the company’s operations.
• Investment broken down by building, land, equipment and machinery, and inventory;
• Building description (sq. ft.), land (acreage), equipment and machinery, and uses;
• Products to be produced, services rendered, markets served, and major competitors;
• Map, diagram, building layout plan or other graphic showing the location of the new plant or 
   plant expansion including the existing and proposed rail infrastructure;
• Description of rail construction including the length of new track, new turnouts, description of
   related track rehabilitation and related information;
• Detailed cost estimate of all new rail infrastructure and any track rehabilitation work; and
• Projected time frame for new plant construction/expansion.
3. Describe benefits resulting from new plant or expansion, including:
• Number of jobs company will commit to create within three years;
• Number of jobs company will commit to retain;
• Average hourly wage for jobs created or retained;
• Number of new rail carloads company will commit to generate within three years; and
• Additional benefits to Ohio.
4. Statement regarding whether any of the jobs created will result from displacing jobs at any other Ohio facility.
5.

Provide a listing of incentives, and their value to the company or project provided by: Local Sources; Other State Agencies; Federal Agencies; and The Serving Railroad Company.

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