How Railroads Affect Economic Development
Railroads Attract Large Industries
Just like interstate highways attract fast-food restaurants, railroads attract new industry. Large industries often locate next to railroads because of the need to send and receive large amounts of raw materials or finished products. Transportation infrastructure is considered the most important factor in firm's choice of location, according to Site Selection magazine (Nov 2009). Thus, having a railroad is the driving force for attracting large industries.
Our Railroad's Pursuit of New Industry
The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway actively pursues new industry. We meet regularly with economic developers, government officials, consultants, and most importantly, prospective companies. Our mission is to provide a home for rail shippers coming to North Carolina. We are confident that our railroad can meet the demands of any company, whether they are local or a global.
Benefits of New Industry
While residents often oppose to be near industrialized areas, it is very important to note the benefits of manufacturing. To Start, large industries provide a tax base that is much needed by cities and counties. In addition, large industries provide hundreds of much needed jobs. Railroads tend to attract the largest industries that generate the most tax revenue and provide the highest paying jobs. Having a railroad nearby is beneficial to your community.
Case Study: Perdue and Mountaire Farms
The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway attracted two of its major customers, Mountaire Farms and Perdue Farms to Candor, NC. These two industrial facilities alone provided over 6,000 jobs to the community. Moreover, this provided a huge and much needed tax revenue for the county.
The Importance of Saving Railroad Property For Industry
Too often do schools, churches, or other non-industrial developments build along a railroad. People see railroad property as cheap land rather than industrial opportunity. That is why it is important to preserve railroad land for the industries that can further benefit your community.