The Hendersonville Times-News is excited about the prospect of converting the Norfolk Southern Ecusta rail line, between Hendersonville and Brevard, into a hiking trail. According to consultants, the move would generate around $42 million initially and $9.4 million annually, create 180 jobs, and lower annual health care costs by $5 million. (Pay no attention to the jobs lost from the medical industry.)
Creating the trail would probably require the creation of an authority and “partnerships” (i.e., contributions) from state and federal governments and local businesses, such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., which was just recently lured to the area with economic development incentives.
If you think it’s a weird idea, you’re not alone. Norfolk Southern, who owns the land in question, will not even come to the table to talk about giving it up.
