(The following editorial appeared on the Cumberland Times-News website on September 24.)
CUMBERLAND, Md. — While attracting new jobs is a top priority in virtually any community, retaining existing jobs is equally important. Based on what we were told by a CSX official last week, the railroad industry in Cumberland is alive and well — with a great future.
Jason French, director of public affairs for the State of Maryland for CSX, told the Cumberland Rotary Club that his company is in the midst of a “railroad renaissance” and is looking at a new initiative that could mean twice as much freight moving at one time.
He said that translates into business growth and development for areas along the route. It only stands to reason that Cumberland will be a part of that renaissance.
CSX has 900 employees in Cumberland. That equates to more than half of CSX’s entire Maryland workforce. French said with 320 locomotive shop employees alone, payroll and benefits amount to $16 million annually, a significant contribution to the local economy.
The average railroad salary is among the highest in the industry, according to the Association of American Railroads. The average annual wage is $62,400, with benefits an additional $23,900.
In Maryland, CSX has invested millions of dollars, including $300,000 in tanks and equipment that allows the company to recycle oil from its engines to heat its facilities. Not only does that provide a savings to the company, it is an environmental benefit to the community.
As for its investment in Cumberland, CSX has spent $2.7 million in capital improvements at the locomotive shop in a one-year period. Another $9.5 million was expended on tie and surfacing work, and $1 million for upgrading the electrical system in the yards.
French’s upbeat message about the railroad industry and Cumberland’s role with CSX made our week. And while we continue to encourage local officials to work hard in attracting new jobs to the region, it is gratifying to know that CSX sees a bright future for its Queen City workforce.