WNC -- March 31. 2026: A proposed Asheville-to-Salisbury train line could significantly boost the Western North Carolina economy and ease traffic congestion, advocates say. Supporters of the project recently gathered at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce to rally support for the rail line, emphasizing its potential to drive long-term economic growth in the region.
The train line aims to improve traffic along Interstate 40, connect Western North Carolina with the rest of the state, and provide a significant boost to the region’s development, especially as the area continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene. A study by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at NC State University found that the rail line could generate a total economic output of $1.05 billion during construction and nearly $67 million for every year of operation. The project is also projected to create an average of 5,270 jobs per year during construction and over 300 permanent positions once operational. Additionally, it could bring in $1.8 million in annual state and local tax revenue, with a one-time tax windfall of $33.6 million during the buildout phase.
Funding and Location Challenges
Although the project is in the federal government’s pipeline through the Corridor Identification and Development Program, funding remains a key question. Jim Rapp, a member of the WNC Rail Committee, noted that many small towns will need to rely on tourism development authorities (TDAs) and economic development organizations to help secure necessary matching grants.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority stated that it is up to local governments and nonprofits to propose specific projects for funding, adding that “it’s too soon to know” what exact proposals will be made in the upcoming grant cycle. Members of the WNC Rail Committee have previously met with TDA leaders and city staff to discuss the application process for these critical funds.
Local leaders also face a decision about the location of Asheville’s train depot. While the city owns property near Biltmore Village that was previously considered the front-runner, the Swannanoa River’s catastrophic flooding after Hurricane Helene has raised concerns about site resilience. The River Arts District (RAD) is a leading alternative, though current estimates suggest it could cost an additional $5 million or more to ensure the station is elevated and flood-proof.
A Historic Connection
Led by the nonprofit Western North Carolina Rail Coalition (WNCRC), the initiative aims to revive a historic rail corridor connecting Asheville in Buncombe County to Salisbury in Rowan County. This roughly 130-mile route would link mountain communities with the Piedmont region.
Proponents say the train could run multiple daily trips, serving stops in key towns including:
Black Mountain
Old Fort
Marion
Morganton
Hickory
Statesville
The line would terminate in Salisbury, where passengers could connect to existing Amtrak services like the Piedmont and Carolinian. A WNCRC-commissioned survey released in March 2026 found that 68 percent of respondents in Buncombe, Henderson, and McDowell counties support the project, with 42 percent indicating they would use the train at least weekly for commuting or tourism.