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During the past 15 years, Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co. (WSOR) has quadrupled its annual carloads to 50,000 units. To better understand how the 550-mile short line is developing business along its lines, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Chief of Staff Martin Whitmer rode a WSOR train on Tuesday between Oshkosh and Pickett, Wis.

The short line's officials told Whitmer that 12 businesses plan to locate plants along the line, joining 16 companies that have opened facilities on or near the line during the past five years. By 2010, the railroad expects to increase annual carloads to 73,000 units.

"As we see here today, transportation has never been more important to America's future than it is right now," said Whitmer in a prepared statement. "There is not a doubt in my mind that our economy will stay on track with companies like Wisconsin & Southern hauling the load."

The railroad was struggling in 1988 when WSOR President Bill Gardner purchased the short line. But the railroad began to attract business after upgrading track and equipment, and improving service, WSOR officials said.

The railroad is "sparking hope and renewal among the businesses, farmers and railway workers who rely on it for their livelihood," said Whitmer.