The Central Virginia Rail Economic Development Study (Study), led by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), aims to explore the potential of rail-centric opportunities to drive long-term regional economic growth in Central Virginia. The Study is in response to the Virginia General Assembly 2023 Special Session SB 6001/HB 6001 Item 449 C on page 537(*1), excerpted below:

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation, with assistance from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, shall conduct a study to evaluate rail-centric economic development opportunities in the Bedford, Campbell, and Lynchburg region of Central Virginia, including both passenger and freight rail enhancements that encourage intermodal and other non-intermodal market opportunities that may yield long-term success and growth in the region. The Department shall submit the results of the study to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1, 2024.

The study area includes the City of Lynchburg and Bedford, Campbell, Amherst, and Appomattox Counties in Central Virginia, and is referred to as the Lynchburg region or Lynchburg area throughout the Study narrative. The area boasts a dynamic labor force, an education hub, and a growing tourism industry. Combining research, stakeholder engagement, and analysis, this Study analyzes industry drivers and regional economic conditions to develop innovative concepts for rail-centric economic development that facilitate growth in well-established sectors.

Objective

The budget language mandates the evaluation of rail-centric economic development opportunities, which are defined in this Study as “opportunity concepts." The objective of this Study is to evaluate and prioritize freight and passenger rail-centric opportunity concepts that may yield long-term regional economic growth in the Lynchburg region of Central Virginia. These concepts would capitalize on the study area’s existing infrastructure assets as well as the economic and demographic landscape of the region.

By evaluating these concepts and quantifying their economic impacts, the Study provides stakeholders with actionable recommendations for investment strategies that align with regional goals, priorities, and market needs. The Study identifies concepts that can be carried forward as projects to stimulate business growth, foster a competitive and economically diverse population and workforce, and enhance connectivity.

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(*1) 2023 Special Session Budget Bill- HB6001. Retrieved https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/item/2023/2/HB6001/Chapter/1/449/