Latest News

Kemp, Georgia Ports Mark Mega Rail Milestone

Savannah, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that the Georgia Ports Authority has completed and is now operating the second set of nine new rail tracks for a total of 18 tracks at its Mason Mega Rail Terminal.

11/12/21 | Georgia Ports Authority
How Railroads are Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions

As pandemic-related logistic and labor challenges persist globally, the freight rail industry remains focused on maintaining network fluidity and keeping essential goods moving...

10/19/21 | Association of American Railroads
Georgia rail companies ask state for millions more in tax incentives

Short-line railroad companies that help transport goods across Georgia called on state lawmakers Tuesday for more funding. Ben Tarbutton III, president of the Georgia Railroad Association (GRA), asked the Georgia Freight and Logistics Commission to double the state's tax incentive and issue additional credits to short-line railroad companies.

10/27/20 | The Center Square

Archived

April 10, 2020

Coronavirus | Our freight rail network also delivering for America during COVID-19 pandemic


America's nation’s railroads that often move the goods you need at the beginning of their journey - Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the flow of groceries, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods is a stark reminder that transportation networks that bring those necessities to people are as vital as the goods themselves.

By Ian Jeffries | FOXBusiness



January 14, 2020

HARRELL: Policymakers Should Get Rail Policies Right

Atlanta is one of America’s fastest growing cities with its population slated to reach 8.6 million by 2050 (up from about 4.6 million currently.)

Gwinnett Daily Post



June 09, 2020

ASLRRA Mourns Passing of Ben Tarbutton, Jr. of Sandersville Railroad Company

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association


ASLRRA is sad to share the passing of Benjamin Tarbutton, Jr., a former director of the American Short Line Railroad Association, ASLRRA’s predecessor. According to his obituary, a memorial service will be held July 22.


Tarbutton spent his career with the Sandersville Railroad Company, his family's 127-yearold short line railroad business. He worked there for 65 years until the time of his death, serving as president, vice-president and director. As part of his long and illustrious railroad career, was also founder and president of the Georgia Railroad Association. He co-founded B-H Transfer Company in 1971 and was actively involved in managing his timberland holdings.


Tarbutton’s son, Sandersville Railroad Company President Ben Tarbutton, III, is a member of ASLRRA’s Board of Directors.



2019

 

October 28, 2019

Craig Camuso, Regional VP for State Government Affairs with CSX Transportation, discusses the many ways the railroad industry impacts Georgia's economy and plans to improve the industry in the future.

Metro Atlanta CEO



October 01, 2019

Georgia Central Railway Achieves Capacity for 286,000-lb. Freight Cars

Business Wire



August 27, 2019

First State Investments acquires Patriot Rail and Ports

Progressive Railroading



March 26, 2019

Norfolk Southern breaks ground on HQ, shifts workers to Atlanta

Atlanta Journal Constitution



2018


March 27, 2018

Savannah Port Launches $126M 'Mega Rail' Project

Atlanta Journal Constitution



2017


October 29, 2017

Getting Freight Out Could Boost Georgia

Atlanta Journal Constitution



October 24, 2017

GRA Members Present the Case for Freight Rail at the Rural Development Committee Meeting in Waycross, Georgia


On Tuesday, October 24th, 2017, several GRA members attended the Georgia House Rural Development Committee meeting on Transportation held in Waycross, Georgia.




GRA members Craig Camuso, Joe Arbona, and Conner Poe joined Mark Middleton and Nancy Cobb (GDOT) on a panel to discuss the importance of freight rail in rural economic development. Also, GRA Associate Member Ryan Pidde presented on the merits of the GRA proposal to create a state tax credit that is similar to the 45G federal program. There was also discussion of SB 89, which would create the Georgia Freight Rail Program.



March 10, 2017

GRA President, Joel Harrell, Honored

Our President Joel Harrell, Norfolk Southern, was recognized Friday, March 10th in both houses of the Georgia General Assembly with Resolutions recognizing and commending him on his retirement. Joel was accompanied by his wife Ginny and his family. We will miss seeing him but are glad that he is able to continue as GRA President through May.


 

Feb 8, 2017

Heart of Georgia Railroad Sold to Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

Atlanta Business Chronicle



May 1, 2017

Reasons to be Optimistic about Issues that Impact the Railroad Industry and its Diverse Customers

By AAR President and CEO, Edward R. Hamberger | HuffPost



Oct 29, 2017

Getting Freight Out Could Boost Georgia

Atlanta Journal Constitution


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