ARC to fund study on C&G corridor

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Anne Pope have announced a $100,000 grant to Mississippi State University to conduct a study that will assess the feasibility of re-establishing rail service along a major section of the Columbus and Greenville Railroad corridor.

They made the announcement April 14 at MSU's Mitchell Memorial Library. In addition to the ARC grant, local sources will provide $75,000 in additional funding for the study.

Researchers at MSU already conducted a preliminary study on the track, but the ARC grant, coupled with other grants, will allow university officials to study more in-depth the feasibility of replacing the track. The grants total $375,000, MSU assistant professor of political science and public administration Bethany Stich said, and will be used to determine factors such as the cost, environmental impact and economic impact such a project might bring to areas along the line.

"Then we'll make the determination whether or not the project should move forward and if it's a worthwhile investment of your tax dollars," Wicker said.

The C& G Railroad, which consists of more than 200 miles of mainline track running across the breadth of Mississippi, represents an important transportation and logistics resource for communities and businesses in the state. Approximately 93 miles of its rail line in central/eastern Mississippi (including Webster County) are in disrepair and can no longer support train operations. This has served to limit market access and made area businesses less competitive, according to the ARC.

A significant investment would be required to restore this stretch of the C&G Railroad. MSU will work with the public and private sector to evaluate necessary right-of-way improvements. MSU will also prepare a plan that would guide the restoration of rail services to improve local access to markets and enhance business activity and job growth in the region.

Pope underscored the continuing importance of the C&G.

"Freight movement is essential to staying competitive in the new global economy," she stated. "Goods still need to be moved from where they are produced to other ports of destination and markets. Railroads are integral to this transportation highway, and the C&G represents Mississippi's part of it. This study will assess the potential of restoring the C&G to its full vitality."

Wicker, R-Tupelo, and his office have been in contact with the ARC for the past two years to discuss the line. Wicker said he is excited about the prospect of reopening the track.

"I'm glad today we're talking about something that's been a part of our heritage for decades," he said.

Eupora native Guy Land, who serves as chief of staff for Pope, stressed how important the railway is to towns along the route.

"There is a possibility of the C&G becoming the key spoke in the economic development wheel of north Mississippi," he said.

Cynthia Wilson of Eupora, executive director of the Webster County Development Council, is chairman of the North Central Mississippi Regional Railroad Authority, which was formed in connection with efforts to rehabilitate the railroad

This article includes reporting by The Commercial Dispatch's Tim Pratt.