Cohen Announces Over $2 Million for Rail Improvements on President's Island

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $2,192,625 economic adjustment assistance grant to the Memphis and Shelby County Port Commission for rail infrastructure improvements in the President’s Island Industrial Park to combat commercial disruptions caused by flooding from the Mississippi River.

“Last year, flooding brought almost all business activity on President’s Island to a complete stop,” Congressman Cohen said. “We can’t control natural events, but these funds will help make sure that we’re better prepared for when they come.”

The EDA investment is part of a $10,963,125 project for the expansion and upgrade of rail capacity in order to increase business’ ability to expand their supply chain or to maintain normal levels in the face of disruptions caused by flooding. President’s Island is home to 138 domestic and international companies and over 6,000 Shelby County jobs. The Economic Development Administration is an agency of the Department of Commerce.