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The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently provided a $100,000 grant to Mississippi State University (MSU) to study the restoration of more than 200 miles of mainline track between Columbus and Greenville, Miss.

The university will assess the feasibility of restoring a major section of the east-west rail corridor, including potential public- and private-sector participation on such issues as right-of-way improvements. A previous MSU study showed that restored rail service could improve local access to markets and boost the region's competitiveness.

Founded by Congress in 1965, ARC aims to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development in a 13-state region.