Short Line Railroads: Preserving an Endangered Species of Freight Transport

National Association of Development Organizations article with Case Studies, Experiences and Lessons Learned From Regional Development Organizations.

All Steps 1 & 3

This reports contains several case studies on Short Line Railroads located in Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. The report shows how the shortline railroads benefit the manufacturing centers on the rural New York and Pennsylvania boundary line, and how the shortlines are turning a profit. The outlining causes of the selling off of railroads are discussed here as well, including the coordinative efforts of the NYSDOT and the municipalities to keep the shortlines maintained properly.

pp. 6 Step 2

"A Non-Profit Rail Authority Goes the Extra Mile" - Highlights how the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority increased economic growth in Williamsport PA by leasing land to manufacturing companies along the railroad tracks to increase business growth along the line. This was done by allowing manufacturers to use the railroad right of way to to test products, and by offering incentives for building factories along the rail line.

pp. 11-12 Step 4

"Multi-Modal Freight for Smoother Transitions" - Involves the construction of multi-modal shipping ports within the same region to increase rail traffic, while decreasing the cost of shipping.