Intermodal Facility not final

By Rosa Duarte

Published: April 8, 2008

The proposed Intermodal Facility in Elliston is not finalized yet.
According to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the facility would take about 150 thousand tractor trailers off interstate 81 loads would be put on trains instead.
Supporters say the move would create nearly three thousand new jobs and generate $71 million in local money.
Governor Tim Kaine sent letters to 15 regional leaders to meet and look over the final report from the DRPT which says Elliston is “the only feasible site” for the facility. Leaders have 30 days to make their recommendation. A spokeswoman for Montgomery County says the letter didn’t define how the meetings should take place but they’re in talks with other localities to determine exactly how to go about it.
In the meantime, Norfolk Southern and DRPT will have to wait. In the end however, Norfolk Southern has the final say since it’s their facility.
According to company spokesman Robin Chapman, the state is helping pay 70% of it because of the public benefits.
It’s all part of the Norfolk Southern Heartland Corridor project which began last October.
28 tunnels along the rail line from Norfolk to Columbus, Ohio are getting higher ceilings to make room for double stacked trains.
Chapman says intermodal facilities like the one proposed for Elliston will help house all those extra containers.
Although Norfolk Southern is a privately owned company, Chapman says rail roads by state law have a right to use the power of eminent domain.
However, the company hopes local leaders can come to an agreement before eminent domain is even considered.
The Montgomery County board of supervisors held a meeting Monday night and discussed the issue during a closed session. The county attorney was also present to go over possible legal options.