Train Story Archives - Page 2 of 2 - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

MARC Train Service in W.Va. Chugs On, But an Uncertain Future Lies Ahead

The MARC Train, or Maryland Area Regional Commuter, serves about 250 West Virginians who live in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

The train has been serving the area for more than 30 years, but Maryland has always paid the bills. West Virginia was only responsible for upkeep of its three West Virginia stations.

Recently, that changed.

For the last two years, Maryland has requested a little more than $3 million in funding – otherwise, they’d end the service into West Virginia.

Below is an extended version of this interview:

In 2018, the West Virginia Legislature secured $1.5 million, and Maryland accepted it. This year, lawmakers successfully put $1.1 million in the budget, but it’s unclear if Maryland will accept the offer.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting spoke with Del. Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson, the House Majority Whip and member of the House Finance Committee, to discuss the future of MARC in West Virginia.

CSX Train of Empty Coal Cars Derails in Fayette County

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

Updated Tuesday, April 17 at 12:06 p.m.

New River Gorge National River spokeswoman Julena Campbell said in a news release the engine that derailed landed on its side near the New River.

She said no diesel fuel spilled and that crews are working to remove 5,000 gallons of fuel from the locomotive. CSX stated the ten derailed cars remained upright.

Campbell said the track is expected to reopen Tuesday.

Original Post, April 16 at 3:20 p.m.

A CSX train of empty coal cars has derailed in Fayette County. No injuries have been reported.

The train was traveling from Clifton Forge, Virginia to Hutchinson, West Virginia to pick up coal, according to a release from CSX.

The release went on to say that the derailment happened just after 9:30 Monday morning when the lead locomotive ran into a rockslide just south of the Thayer Post Office road crossing in Thurmond, WV. The collision derailed 10 empty railcars.

Preliminary reports indicate the nose of the locomotive narrowly dipped into the New River, which is adjacent to the tracks. Recent rain has resulted in higher than normal water conditions in the New River.

CSX personnel are working with local first responders to assess the situation. CSX is taking steps to protect the river and surrounding area and develop a recovery plan.

The train consisted of two locomotives and 97 empty railcars.

Full Statement from CSX Spokesperson:

“Just after 9:30 a.m. today, a CSX train headed to Hutchinson, WV derailed the lead locomotive and several empty railcars after colliding with a rockslide just south of the Thayer Post Office road crossing in Thurmond, WV. Preliminary reports indicate the nose of the locomotive narrowly dipped into the New River, which is adjacent to the tracks. Recent rain has resulted in higher than normal water conditions in the New River. Ten covered hoppers have derailed and are upright and inline. CSX personnel are working with local first responders to assess the situation and take steps to protect the river and surrounding area. The safety of the community, the environment and everyone on site is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan. The train consisted of two locomotives and 97 empty railcars.”

Note from Lawrence Messina, Director of Communications, W.Va. Dept. of Military Affairs & Public Safety:

“DMAPS is monitoring, but Fayette officials are handling the response.”

Meeting Set with Amtrak Over West Virginia's New River Train

A meeting is set with Amtrak officials to work toward keeping the New River Train service going in southern West Virginia this fall.

Congressman Evan Jenkins and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin say they’ve arranged the meeting on Tuesday. Media outlets report it will be held at Amtrak’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Also scheduled to attend are representatives of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Society, which operates the New River Train, and leaders from Hinton and Summers County.

Amtrak decided last month to end charter and special service trains, putting traditions such as the New River Train and Hinton Railroad Days in jeopardy. The New River Train is scheduled for late October from Huntington to Hinton.

Manchin says eliminate the service would take about $5 million from West Virginia’s economy.