West Virginia Rail Authority to acquire, operate rail line

The West Virginia State Rail Authority (WVRA) this week notified the Surface Transportation Board (STB) of plans to acquire from The Elk River Railroad Inc. (TERRI) and operate 18 miles of rail line in Clay County, West Virginia.

In its STB filing, the WVRA states that it has executed a purchase and sale agreement with TERRI to purchase the line, plus connecting spur and side tracks, if any, pertinent property, assets and right of way. After the sale closes, the WVRA will own and operate the line.

The WVRA's project annual revenue as a result of the sale would not exceed $5 million.

The WVRA owns and operates the 52.4-mile South Branch Valley Railroad, and owns and oversees operates the 132-mile West Virginia Central Railroad.