Railroads and Regional Economic Development Conference
Morganton Community House
What You Missed
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Western North Carolina Rail Committee hosted the Railroads and Regional Economic Development Conference at the Morganton Community House. Elected officials, transportation leaders, and rail industry representatives gathered to discuss the future of passenger, freight, and excursion rail in our region.
Marion Mayor Steve Little opened the day's program. Anna Stoiken of Amtrak shared updates on passenger rail service, and John Bilharz of CSX spoke about the work to rebuild the Blue Ridge Subdivision — the line connecting East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Reporter Mike Conley of The McDowell News covered the conference. His article and photographs are reproduced below with thanks.
News Coverage
Article and photographs © The McDowell News. Reproduced with credit to reporter Mike Conley. All rights reserved by the original publisher.
Learn More — NCDOT Rail Division Resources
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division has published detailed studies on the Western North Carolina rail corridor. Use the links below for additional information.
Western North Carolina Rail Corridor
NCDOT Rail Division project homepage with overview, news, and background.
Visit NCDOT page →Feasibility Study — Full Report
Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study (PDF).
Download PDF →Economic Impact — Executive Summary
Asheville to Salisbury corridor — executive summary (PDF).
Download PDF →Economic Impact — Full Report
Asheville to Salisbury corridor — full economic impact report (PDF).
Download PDF →