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The Rail Authority of East Mississippi is launching a study to determine whether there's enough forest products industry demand to support the creation of a short line that would operate between Waynesboro and Lucedale, Miss.

The U.S. Commerce Department has provided $50,000 for the study, which will be conducted by Waggoner Engineering in conjunction with Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. The 50-mile short line would serve as a north-south rail link near ports in Pascagoula and Mobile.

The timber industry was the primary customer of a railroad that existed in the area in the early 19th century, and could be the main driver for establishing the short line now, said Geoffrey Clark, the authority’s executive director, in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE) and Savage Cos. have entered into a preliminary agreement under which Savage will operate a new MSE-owned transload facility in Helena, Miss.
 
The multi-user facility is located about 15 miles north of Pascagoula and within close proximity to ports in Pascagoula, Mobile, Gulfport and New Orleans. The terminal features 40 transload car spots and a 40,000-square-foot warehouse with rail access.
 
The 42-mile MSE interchanges with CN in Evanston, Miss., and CSX Transportation in Pascagoula. The short line also can access Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern Railway lines.