(The following story by Darlene J. Taylor appeared on the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram website on July 30.)
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Commission voted Thursday to send letters to state and federal legislators stating its opposition to CSX leasing rail lines.
Dana Booth and Dave Lopez, representing railroad rights-of-way workers, addressed commissioners on the possibility of CSX leasing the tracks to a third party.
The proposal involves 530 miles of track from Cumberland, Md., to Grafton to Clarksburg and New Martinsville.
Booth explained that CSX only wants to give up responsibility for the rail upkeep and maintenance, not the use of the track. CSX would be leasing the track for another company to also use the track.
He cited safety issues for the public as well as the possible loss of 250 jobs.
CSX, a Class I railroad company, owns $380 million worth of property in West Virginia and generates over $50 million in revenue a year, Booth said.
“We ask that the commission consider the economic impact and resolve to ask for legislative assistance to look at economic impact this could have on the state,” Booth said.
Lopez noted that a similar deal was recently made in Virginia. That small Class III railroad company is now asking the state for financial assistance to be able to maintain the tracks.
Commissioners Ron Watson and Frank “Chunki” Angotti agreed that this could have an impact on local citizens and voted to send a letter to legislators voicing that concern.
Commission President Roger Diaz was not present.