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Later this month, The Watco Cos. Inc. plans to begin operating the Appalachian & Ohio Railroad Inc. in West Virginia.

Earlier this year, Watco leased a segment of the former B&O territory between Grafton and Cowen from CSX Transportation. The Appalachian & Ohio will operate over the 158.2 track miles.

In December, Watco began operating the Mission Mountain Railroad Inc. — its 10th short line — after leasing or purchasing two Montana lines totaling 40 track miles from BNSF Railway Co. Now, the short-line holding company's roster will include 11 small roads operating in 12 states.