A study from the N.C Department of Transportation’s Rail Division finds that restoring passenger rail service in the Western region of the state would provide the area with significant economic benefits.
The report, the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Economic Impact Report, has found that the corridor would create a connection between the Charlotte metropolitan area, the Piedmont Triad, the Research Triangle, and the Blue Ridge region. That connection would improve access for visitors, workers and residents, the analysis found, while supporting long-term economic growth.
“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,” Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director, said. “The interest this route is receiving underscores the opportunity to better connect western North Carolina to the state’s existing intercity passenger rail network.”
Capital investment in the corridor between Salisbury and Asheville would generation substantial economic activity, the report said. Over the course of the construction of the corridor, the area could see an economic impact of 5,270 jobs per year, $360.5 million in employee earnings, $1.05 billion in economic output, and $33.6 million in state and local tax revenue.
The analysis found that the project would also have lasting benefits for the region, and the state, supporting 200 sustained jobs, $23.4 million in annual employee earnings, $66.9 million in annual economic output, and $2.1 million in recurring state and local tax revenue.