An in-depth study of the potential economic impact of passenger rail service to the Mountain Empire is expected to begin next month and be completed this summer.
The Community Transportation Association of America, in conjunction with the city of Bristol, Virginia, is currently soliciting proposals for qualified consulting firms to assess and document the potential economic impact of extending Amtrak rail service from Roanoke to Bristol.
The deadline for firms to submit proposals to conduct the study is Jan. 23, according to the 13-page request for proposals. Once a firm is selected, the study is expected to begin in mid-February and be completed by Aug. 31. It is forecast to cost between $140,000 and $200,000.
