Discussions of a Weldon passenger rail project are still on the table, Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott told commissioners at their meeting this morning.

A meeting was held with North Carolina Department of Transportation rail officials on April 5 where the discussions have now shifted to a Raleigh to Weldon project in which bridge repairs would no longer be needed, she said.

A feasibility study is expected to be completed by April of 2025.

“The Weldon passenger rail project is now focused on corridors that the state had identified more so than just the north-south access full rail,” Scott said. “That’s really good for us. The good news for us is that this project is no longer connected to bridge repair. They can give us that north-south access without having to repair that bridge.”

The plans being studied include a hub location with throughway bus service along with the passenger rail service.

“I personally am very excited about this,” Scott said. “Unfortunately it’s not turning quickly but that it’s in the purview of intercity passenger rail service is certainly a plus for Halifax County.” 

In other economic development news Scott said that the Rural Infrastructure Authority approved funding for water line replacement at the Stella-Jones railspur in Enfield.

The $125,185 grant will enable the county to repair an aged water line at the former Georgia-Pacific plant.

The company produces pressure-treated wood products and utility poles. 

The project is expected to create 10 jobs, with an accompanying private investment of $9.5 million.