News Archive

U.S. Secretary Elaine Chao Thanks America's Railroad Workers
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.
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
Mark Middleton
Mark and GRA Members lobby at the State Capitol during the legislative session.
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