(The following editorial appeared on the Roanoke Times website on May 2.)
ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk Southern’s proposed intermodal shipping yard has been a steaming bowl of lima beans in Southwest Virginia’s meager economic development buffet. People should know it’s good for them, but they cannot bring themselves to spoon the beans onto their plate. For all the benefits the yard would bring, the side effects leave a bad taste.
Salem is ready to eat up, though.
The intermodal yard would serve as a shipping nexus. Freight would arrive and depart from the site by rail and truck.
It would be healthy for Virginia. Moving more freight by train would reduce the number of trucks on the state’s crowded highways.
It would also be healthy for whatever locality lands it. The shipping yard would create jobs and improve the tax base.
But there’s that bad taste. Truck traffic will increase locally. Noise, lights and runoff could all disrupt a tranquil locale.
For months, NS has been eyeing land in Montgomery County for its project. A site near Elliston is conveniently located along the rail line and close to Interstate 81.
Residents in the area do not want the side effects in their largely undeveloped corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They convinced the county board of supervisors to pass multiple resolutions opposing the project and to consider a transparently unenforceable ordinance to prevent it. Even the town of Blacksburg, located across the county, passed a resolution against the yard.
Now Salem has elbowed up to the table. If Montgomery County doesn’t want it, the city said, give it to us. It could be the win-win for which everyone is searching.
Putting the intermodal yard in Salem would keep the economic benefits in Southwest Virginia. It would also put it in a place that welcomes the jobs and income, and the site is in a developed, mostly industrial area.
Company and state officials have therefore postponed their decision while they analyze the Salem option. With some luck, it will pan out, and everyone can avoid the hard feelings boiling over in Elliston. If Salem does not work, though, Montgomery County should remain an option.
Neighbors’ opposition to an intermodal freight yard is understandable and to be expected. Their concerns must factor into the decision. Ultimately, however, this about more than one locality. It is about what is best for the region and the commonwealth.