Study Shows ​​​​Reconnecting NC Passenger Rail Would Bring Economic Benefits

North Carolina DOT (NCDOT) released a Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Economic Impact Report that shows the economic benefits of restoring passenger rail service in the western part of the state. Bringing back the discontinued rail corridor to reconnect Asheville to the existing passenger rail network responds to strong public demand​.

In addition to supporting tourism (the second largest driver of economic growth in the Asheville region), capital investment between Salisbury and Asheville would support jobs and local businesses during the construction period. As reported by NCDOT, “Over the course of project implementation, the corridor is estimated to generate 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.”

NCDOT also reported that beyond construction, “service and operations on the route are estimated to support 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.”

“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 rail corridor was discontinued in 1975; the restoration project is not currently funded.