Small Road News: NKCR Receives CRISI Grant, Patriot Rail & Ports Names AVP Sales

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The 509-mile NKCR will use U.S. DOT funding, and a private-sector match, to renovate more than 100 miles of track in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado.

The 509-mile NKCR will use U.S. DOT funding, and a private-sector match, to renovate more than 100 miles of track in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado.

Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway (NKCR) has received a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, as part of the FY 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. Additionally, Patriot Rail & Ports has hired Roquita C. Williams to join the commercial team as Assistant Vice President Sales.

The 509-mile NKCR, which is managed by OmniTRAX, will use the U.S. DOT funding, and a private-sector match, to renovate more than 100 miles of track in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado. It will install approximately 42,595 ties and 15,990 tons of ballast, and resurface 562,848 track feet between Holdrege, Neb., and Sterling, Colo. 

“This grant is a great example of how government and business can come together to improve safety for the communities where the NKCR operates and support commercial activities in those communities,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX, which is an affiliate of The Broe Group.

Roquita C. Williams,
AVP Sales, Patriot Rail & Ports

At Patriot Rail & Ports, Roquita Williams will work to expand Patriot’s presence at its existing 12 railroads, develop new business channels and contribute to the company’s overall strategies. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the supply chain industry, and served most recently at CN, where she was responsible for marketing strategy and commercial relationships for customers across the U.S. and Canada. Williams also held various commercial roles at CN Worldwide. In 2016, she was selected as one of Railway Age’s inaugural “10 Under 40” honorees.

“Roquita is an exceptional addition to the Patriot team,” said Chief Commercial Officer Paul Tonsager. “Her extensive knowledge of the transportation and logistics industry and strong record of executing strategy will greatly influence Patriot’s growth.”

In other small road news, OmniTRAX, Watco and Anacostia recently launched growth initiatives.

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