(The following article by Chip Jones was posted on the Richmond Times-Dispatch website on November 6.)
RICHMOND, Va. — A Dillwyn-based railroad’s plan to lease nearly 200 miles of CSX Corp. track across Virginia got the green light yesterday from a federal oversight agency.
By a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board approved the deal between CSX and Buckingham Branch Railroad.
“We’re very pleased that the STB made their decision in order that we can move ahead to meet the needs of the shipping public,” said Bob Bryant, president of the privately-held railroad.
He admitted that he was relieved about the decision since he has spent considerable time and money getting ready to take over the freight rail line from Richmond to Clifton Forge.
Bryant hopes to get rolling by Dec. 20, after completing contract negotiations with CSX. “We’re now in a position to buy equipment and continue the process of interviewing and hiring” up to 25 new employees, he said.
The Surface Transportation Board, which oversees economic issues of railroads, approved the lease application despite concerns by Amtrak and the state of Virginia over track upkeep.
A union representing rail-maintenance workers also objected because of the potential loss of jobs and safety concerns.
Bryant has promised to use a $2 million-a-year payment from CSX to maintain and improve the track, which crosses rugged mountain terrain in western Virginia.
The dissenting vote on the three-member federal agency came from Vice Chairman Francis P. Mulvey, who said parts of the leasing arrangement were “anti-competitive.”
Mulvey’s dissent cited CSX’s attempts to charge Bryant for serving any other major railroads, such as Norfolk Southern Corp.
This has been “the most contentious issue” in the contract talks between Bryant and officials at CSX, according to the decision.
Bryant said in an interview that CSX has made some concessions on the surcharge issue, “and we agreed to terms.”