ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, June 25, 1996 TAG: 9606250049
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
AN INTERMODAL transportation center in the New River Valley may be moving closer to reality. Good. We hope it gets there before long.
Development of such a facility is among the key recommendations of the citizen-based New Century Council. It could help increase the entire Southwest Virginia region's participation in the global economy.
The Pulaski Town Council recently backed the idea, which has been pushed by the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the Pulaski Encouraging Progress group, as well as by the New Century Council. The convergence of support seems at the least a sign of attention and momentum, both of which this project has needed.
As envisioned, an intermodal transportation facility in Pulaski County would be a connection point for rail, truck and air transport systems moving goods in and out of the region. It would provide a time-saving (thus cost-saving) seamless link for businesses demanding "just in time" inventories and depending on more than one mode of freight transportation.
Such a facility could open opportunities for expansion of many businesses, particularly those involved or hoping to become involved in export trade. It also could lure new businesses and jobs to the region. Depending on the amount of export business generated, the center might eventually qualify as an inland port, an official designation that would further enhance the region's visibility in international markets.
A location near Dublin in Pulaski County seems ideal. The site has freight trains passing through daily, including an existing rail spur from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant that is rare in the nation in its capacity for double-stacked freight containers. It is close to Interstates 81 and 77, and to the proposed Interstate 73. The New River Valley Airport would provide the air link, with room to expand runways.
Land is available in the vicinity, moreover, for businesses to locate distribution facilities or manufacturing plants. And there's no shortage of ready and able labor.
A lot of work and investment are needed to get this done, of course. Also needed are support and leadership from across a region bigger than the New River Valley. In all likelihood, the payoff would be both considerable and widespread.
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