Poor Economy Stalls W.Va. Rail Terminal Project

Charleston Gazette
11 June 2010
The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A lousy economy and lack of interest have forced the West Virginia Public Port Authority to postpone plans for the Prichard Intermodal Terminal.

Norfolk Southern donated 78 acres for an $18 million terminal the state hoped to develop. In April, the authority issued a request for proposals.

But on Thursday, the authority said only one proposal came in last week.

The terminal was to provide westward rail service between Prichard and Chicago via Columbus, Ohio.

To the east, it would provide double-stacked rail service to the Virginia Port Authority.

Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox says he believes the concept is good, but private investment companies aren't willing to take risks right now.

He says the project will be readvertised later.