By Steve Bandy, Marshall News Messenger

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Rail access is essential in industrial development and the Marshall Economic Development Corp. is looking for ways to upgrade rail access in the Marshall Business Park.

At its recent meeting, the MEDCO board of directors approved the hiring of Gary Traylor of Traylor and Associates to serve as grant consultant for the application of Economic Development Administration stimulus funds.

On March 10, the EDA announced the availability of $150 million from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. EDA currently is soliciting applications from eligible applicants.

"We have two rail spurs in the park. One belongs to MEDCO," Executive Director Donna Maisel said. "With many prospects, rail access is a hot-button item. This stimulus package provides grants for infrastructure."

Ms. Maisel explained that Traylor would assist MEDCO in applying for funding for a proposed $2.5 million project to upgrade the rail access within the park. "This would allow significant expansion of activities in our park," she said.

Concerning MEDCO's rail spur, Ms. Maisel told board members earlier this week that it has been "at least five years since any work was done" on the rails.

Bill Marshall, MEDCO board chairman, pointed out that MEDCO is responsible for the spur and would be liable for any accidents that occur on the spur as a result of poor maintenance.

Ms. Maisel said it would cost an estimated $20,700 to rehabilitate the spur, a cost that would not include clean-up of the discarded railroad ties coated with creosote.

Marshall noted that the section of the spur that most needs attention "doesn't get a lot of traffic" and suggested that the board seek a cost estimate for a "turn-key" project that would include rehabilitation and clean-up.

Board members agreed.