NC S761

Authorizes the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Fund to be used for short-line railroad assistance in addition to freight rail service and crossing safety improvements.

Adds "other short-line railroad projects" as an eligible project type under the fund, expanding beyond the previously listed categories.

Clarifies that short-line railroad assistance funding is subject to the same limits as assistance for projects to improve rail access to industrial, port, and military facilities.

Modifies G.S. 136-44.39 to allow the Department of Transportation to provide assistance from multiple programs including the Rail Industrial Access Program and Short Line Infrastructure Access Program to support short-line railroads for economic development and access to ports and military installations.

Effective upon becoming law.