Drinks at the Depot Generates Loads of Steam for Passenger Rail

Waiting for the Train was honored to welcome NC State Speaker of the House Tim Moore, State Senator Warren Daniel, State Representative Hugh Blackwell, Marion Mayor Steve Little, and Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, among other distinguished guests who joined an enthusiastic crowd to show their support for restoring passenger rail to western North Carolina.

Even Hurricane Helene couldn't derail the enthusiasm at the second annual Drinks at the Depot.

Last Tuesday evening, the Historic Morganton Train Depot was filled with the energy and optimism of community members, elected officials, and rail advocates all united behind a common vision: bringing passenger rail service back to western North Carolina.

The turnout was nothing short of extraordinary, proving that our grassroots movement is gaining momentum faster than a downhill locomotive. We were honored to welcome NC State Speaker of the House Tim Moore, State Senator Warren Daniel, State Representative Hugh Blackwell, Marion Mayor Steve Little, and Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson, among other distinguished guests who came to show their support for our cause.

The evening brought exciting news: our grassroots movement is expanding!

Several towns along the proposed Salisbury-Asheville route, including Hickory, Conover, Drexel, Valdese, Marion, and Old Fort, have expressed strong interest in joining our efforts. This growing coalition demonstrates what we've known all along–the desire for passenger rail service isn't just a Morganton dream, it's essential for the future success of all of western North Carolina. 

It’s time we tried something else, and support is echoed up and down the proposed line.  

Of course, we can't ignore the Category Five elephant in the room. The recent damage from Hurricane Helene to the mountainous section of Norfolk Southern's tracks between Old Fort and Ridgecrest has presented a new challenge. However, as Jason Myers, rails specialist for the DOT, assured us, funding for the project remains secure. 

Moreover, Norfolk Southern has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with the state as it evaluates and addresses the damage.

The timeline may stretch a bit beyond the initial five-to-seven-year projection we discussed earlier this year, but make no mistake: this train is still very much on track. As Speaker Moore noted, "We know that it would work. We know that the cost comparable to building roads is in a lot of ways less expensive." If elected to Congress, Moore has pledged to advocate for our project at the federal level.

None of this progress would be possible without our generous sponsors who keep our movement running full steam ahead. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their unwavering commitment to returning passenger rail to western North Carolina.

Your investment (donate here) in our community's future will pay dividends for generations.

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has allocated $66 billion for passenger and freight rail service, and NCDOT has identified our Salisbury-Asheville route as one of the top two passenger rail priorities in North Carolina, as part of the Corridor I.D. program. Senator Daniel pointed out that our next step is building a coalition of western North Carolina legislators to convince budget writers in Raleigh that this project deserves state support.

Mayor Thompson put it perfectly when he said, "Get on the train. You don't have to worry about the traffic going through Winston, Salem, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh. It puts you downtown. It's really a great way to travel."

Imagine stepping aboard in downtown Morganton and arriving in Raleigh without fighting traffic or searching for parking. That future is within reach–but only if we keep the momentum going.

Your voice matters more now than ever.

Have you reached out to your representatives lately?

Every email, every phone call, every conversation about passenger rail helps build the case for restoration of this vital service. Our elected officials are listening–the impressive turnout at Drinks at the Depot proved that–but they need to keep hearing from you.

Together, we're laying the tracks for a more connected, sustainable future in western North Carolina. The journey from Salisbury to Asheville may have a few more curves ahead, but with your continued support and advocacy, we'll reach our destination. 

Our Sponsors for Drinks at the Depot

Engine ($500)

Mainstreet Morganton
Nest Realty

Club Car ($250)

Burke Development Inc.
Melanie and Robert Dunn
Steve and Nancy Gregory
Southern Environmental Law Center
Kevin and Mary Jane Frederick
Morganton Savings Bank

Caboose ($100)

Jean and Allen VanNoppen
Nancy Phifer
Davidson, Holland, Whitesell, and Co.
Deborah Jones
Ann and Burt Moncrief
Barbara and Lamar Smitherman
Beith Heile
Barbara and Jerry Norvell
Rachel Dalkilic
Simply Green Recycling

Volunteers and In-Kind Donations

Teens for the Train
History Museum of Burke County
City of Morganton
Sidetracked Brewery
Burke Arts Council
Elizabeth Todd
Leanne Brittain
Jenny Hughes