Challenge
The Port of Longview has sought federal investments for several years to complete an expansion of a rail corridor that will allow unit trains to serve the Port. Completion of the project will enable redevelopment of an underutilized birth and generate significant jobs and economic development in an historically disadvantaged community. Given the size and scale of the project, the Port can’t complete it without federal investments.
Approach
After several unsuccessful attempts at obtaining a RAISE grant award, the Port retained CFM to rewrite its application. The CFM team reframed the application to highlight components that appeal to the Biden Administration. CFM also reframed the project to the Port’s congressional delegation to enlist its advocacy with the Administration.
Success
After rewriting the application, CFM secured a $16 million RAISE award for the Port of Longview, one of only 63 capital grants that were awarded that year across the country. In addition to the grant award, CFM also secured an additional $2.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the project.
