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…