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03/19/2009 03:05 PM

Railroads may drive economic development
By: Ilin Chen

RALEIGH – State and railroad officials gathered Thursday to discuss using the rail system as the engine to drive future economic development in the state.

There are more than 3,300 miles of rails that cross North Carolina, but the Department of Transportation said less than one percent of state funds are allocated for rail improvements.

“The North Carolina Railroad Company touches 24 percent of the state’s economy,” N.C. Railroad Company President Scott Saylor said. “It saves customers, industries in our state about $300 million a year in shipping costs. And it’s not just the cost itself. Think about the damage the trucks do to our highways and how the freight railroads can take that pressure off and also eliminate some congestion in the process.”

The rail industry hopes to capitalize on the interest spurred by the federal government’s stimulus package, which includes $8 billion for rail projects across the country.

“The important part today is how key those railroads can be in solving those transportation problems and also creating jobs in the state,” Saylor said. “There’s never been a more important time to create jobs.”

Some state leaders hope the combination of proper planning and funding will lead to development of more light rail systems like the one in Charlotte.

But they know it will require a lot of work over the next decades.

“What should we by trying to do, and why?” Former N.C. Commerce Secretary Jim Fain said. “And of course, it’s all rooted in promoting the economic well-being and, really, the quality of life for North Carolinians.”

The North Carolina Railroad Company is also planning to conduct a study about possible commuter rail ridership from Goldsboro to Greensboro. A previous study indicated commuter trains between major regions would be possible with the proper amount of infrastructure investment.


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