Palmetto Railways proposes 10-mile line in South Carolina

Palmetto Railways

Palmetto Railways is exploring the development of a 10-mile industrial rail line to serve the Camp Hall Commerce Park in Berkeley County, S.C.

Palmetto Railways is a shortline railroad and a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Its plan for the new rail line would connect Camp Hall Commerce Park to existing railroad right-of-way, near the Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station in Berkeley County. Palmetto Railways will construct, own and operate the rail line, which the railway said is expected to open the door to greater economic development efforts to support the state of South Carolina.

The aim of the project would be to provide rail access for the development of future industries at the Camp Hall Commerce Park, including its primary tenant, Volvo, and would support future economic development opportunities for the region and state.

Palmetto Railways estimates the project will take three years to complete and is aiming to begin rail service in the third quarter of 2019. The railway is still working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify a preferred route and did not have a cost estimate. The railway also said it would be performing the required environmental analysis to assess any and all impacts as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.

The railway pledged to keep stakeholders engaged throughout the process and said it is “committed to collaborating with Berkeley County, state and federal officials and local residents to ensure that the community and surrounding areas are included in the rail line development.”

Palmetto Railways is holding online meetings for those interested in the rail project. In the next 18 months, the railway plans to hold an additional two meetings where comments and input will be taken on the project. The online meetings can be accessed through Palmetto Railways’ website.