ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Restoring passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville would bring significant economic and connectivity benefits to the state, according to a new report by a state transportation agency.
The Western NC Economic Impact Report, released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division, shows that the western North Carolina rail corridor would produce a “critical connection” between Charlotte, the Piedmont Triad, the Research Triangle and the Blue Ridge region.
The western North Carolina rail corridor, which connected Asheville and the mountain region to the rest of the state, was discontinued in 1975. According to the new report, restoring the rail corridor would support local tourism and enhance access for visitors and residents.
PROPOSED AMTRAK RAIL ROUTE COULD PUT WNC BACK ON TRACK FOR TRAIN TRAVEL, BOOSTING TOURISM
The report says this project would generate 5,270 jobs, $360.5 million in employee earnings, $1.05 billion in economic output and $33.6 million in tax revenue during construction.
After construction, according to the report, the railway would support 200 sustained jobs each year, $23.4 million in annual employee earnings, $66.9 million in annual economic output, and $2.1 million in recurring tax revenue.
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This railway project is not currently funded.