Friday, October 01, 1999 (Washington, DC )

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced a $27,000 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to conduct a feasibility study and prepare an implementation plan for a 25.5-mile tourist train to run between Strasburg Junction and Shenandoah Caverns, Va.

"President Clinton has challenged the nation, stating that now is not a time to rest but to build," Secretary Slater said. "Guided by this vision, the study may result in greater access to the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley for Virginians and visitors alike, and at the same time protect the environment."

The Lord Fairfax Planning Commission (LFPC) of Front Royal, Va., will manage the project on behalf of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and will hire a consultant to perform the study.

"I am pleased at Virginia’s leadership in assessing market possibilities for tourist rail operations in the Shenandoah Valley," FRA Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris said. "This project, if approved, will result in prototype methods useful to other states in evaluating plans for recreational rail development."

The purpose of the study is to determine the potential market for tourist train service; evaluate the equipment, infrastructure and operational requirements of such service; develop marketing and financial plans; and complete an economic impact assessment.

The grant will be supplemented by a $15,700 contribution by the state of Virginia to meet a total project cost of $42,700. The study will be initiated with a series of public meetings in Virginia’s Shenandoah County.