North Carolina DOT: Asheville rail revival would boost state's economy

Restoring passenger-rail service between Salisbury and Asheville, North Carolina, could generate over $1 billion in economic output during project implementation and $66.9 million in annual economic output once operational, according to a study released yesterday by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division.

The NC by Train project is not yet funded, and passenger-rail service along the route was discontinued in 1975, NCDOT officials said in a press release. If restored, the state-supported Amtrak service would improve access to major metropolitan areas and workforce hubs. Asheville is also the most requested destination not served by NC by Train, they added. 

If the service is restored, it would improve access to the Charlotte area; a research hub near Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill known as the Research Triangle; the Piedmont Triad area; and the state's Blue Ridge region, NCDOT officials said.

In addition to economic output, construction on the rail corridor could generate up to $33.6 million in state and local tax revenue. The study found that the rail corridor would support 200 sustained jobs, $23.4 million in annual employee earnings and $2.1 million in recurring state and local tax revenue.

"The Western NC rail corridor presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, support local economies, and create a more resilient and dynamic transportation system for North Carolina," said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. "The interest this route is receiving underscores the opportunity to better connect western North Carolina to the state’s existing intercity passenger rail network."

The full report can be read here.