Polk County commissioners want to be sure if they agree to create a railroad authority they are not opening the door for biosolids or other hazardous material to be shipped into Copperhill.
Tim Andrews with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRRM) appeared before the commission Thursday, January 25, in Benton.
The museum operates the excursion train that carries passengers from Etowah to Copperhill.
Andrews said that by creating a railroad authority the commission would become “a conduit for funding” for the railroad.
He said a survey completed two years ago recommended $3.3 million in work on the Etowah to Copperhill tracks. He assured commissioners this was not a safety issue and the tracks are inspected regularly. Andrews explained the Tennessee grant process that could help with funding the work.
Concerns were voiced by commissioners and members of the audience.
Third District Commissioner Samantha Trantham raised the concern that biosolids would be shipped by rail. With the railroad following a path along the Hiwassee River, she wondered, “What if a train goes into the river?”
Commissioner John Pippenger questioned Andrews on the county’s liability in case of an accident, citing a passenger vehicle that was struck at a crossing in the Gee Creek area years ago.
Andrews responded, “You (the county) have no ownership or liability.”
Pippenger questioned this as did Monica Farrow, a member of Polk’s Industrial and Economic Development Board (IED Board). Farrow countered, “Yes, the county can be sued.”
She also told Andrews, “Anything other than people, that’s a problem for our people and our community,” referring to train trips into Copperhill.
Andrews then mentioned the empty boxcars that were sometimes stored in the rail yard at Copperhill.
James Woody, identifying himself as a member of the railroad board, said, “Our only interest is passenger service.”
Commissioners agreed to schedule a workshop with Andrews to further research the idea before voting on a railroad authority.