ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Restoring passenger rail service to Asheville could deliver more than $1 billion in economic benefits to Western North Carolina and support thousands of jobs, according to a new study released by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Economic Impact Report examines the potential effects of reestablishing passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville. State transportation officials say the corridor would strengthen connections between the Blue Ridge region and major population and economic centers across North Carolina.
“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, director of NCDOT’s Rail Division, said in a news release…