Public Information

On November 21, 2022, the Cincinnati Southern Railway Board of Trustees executed a purchase agreement with Norfolk Southern (NS) for a lump sum of $1.6 billion plus transaction fees of $24.5 million to be paid at closing.

Per the terms and conditions of the sale agreement, the Ohio Legislature must first make certain amendments to the founding legislation enacted in 1869 (Known as the “Ferguson Act”). Importantly, the original “Ferguson Act” required Cincinnati voters to approve the creation of the railroad. It also requires Cincinnati voters to approve its sale. This requirement will not change.

This CSR Sale page, as well as the Public Information and Media Room pages on this website, provide information also directly related to the possible sale of CSR. In an effort to be transparent and helpful, some information on this and the other pages may be the same or similar.

Cincinnati Southern Railway Investment Advisor (RFP) - Project Description:

The CSR Board through the City of Cincinnati's Procurement Department is seeking an Investment Advisor to provide the advisory services contemplated in this RFP. The Sale Proceeds from the proposed sale, if approved by voter referendum, will be deposited into the CSR Trust Fund for the benefit of the City. Pursuant to recently adopted legislation, the CSR Trust shall provide a minimum annual amount of at least $26.5 million, as adjusted pursuant to applicable law, to the City for the purpose of modernizing, rehabilitating, and repairing existing infrastructure in accordance with applicable law. The CSR Board will only approve the retention of an Investment Advisor in the event that the voter referendum is successful. The RFP can be accessed here: https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/104430.