Could trains help Horry County’s economy weather downturns in tourism?
When the tourism industry came to a halt in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Horry County residents quickly saw the unemployment rate spike.
Horry County leaders have discussed diversifying the local economy for years. Restoring the railroad into Horry County is just one of many ways leaders hope to attract new types of businesses.
“We need to diversify our economy,” Horry County Council Member Dennis DiSabato said. “The rail line helps us do that.”
And on Tuesday, Horry County Council’s economic development committee got some good news: Despite the coronavirus pandemic, more customers are using the railroad even as restoration work continues.
The RJ Corman Carolina Lines were recognized nationally with the “CSX Short Line Business Development Award” for their usage growth in the area.
The rail line, running through parts of Horry County, saw its carload growth percentage double from 2018 through 2019.
“The growth continues and the infrastructure keeps growing,” Adam Boyle with RJ Corman said. “We’re extremely happy and appreciate all the support.”
By the end of the year, the company hopes to ship 4,500 cars through the rail.
Many of the improvements to the track were paid for through a $9.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant aimed at improving economies and increasing the quality of life for locals.
Currently, the Grand Strand’s economy is largely based on tourism. While there are disagreements on how to best diversify the economy, trains will be another way for businesses to have materials sent in or to ship goods out of the area.
The tracks especially could help shippers avoid Highway 501 traffic heading into Myrtle Beach.
“It is important for residents of this county to have economic opportunity for the younger generation,” said DiSabatio, who chairs the economic development committee of Horry County Council.
Work updating tracks and bridges on the railroad is ongoing despite trains already using the line. Boyles said construction and renovation work continues in the Crabtree Swamp area near Conway.
The restored tracks will not run all the way into Myrtle Beach due to older bridges across the Intracoastal Waterway and a lack of interest for the rail running that far.
Originally construction was expected to be completed in 2022.
Once fully completed, trains will be able to move safer and faster while on the railroad. RJ Corman expects to see rail usage grow in Horry County.
“We are pretty impressed with what has happened up to this point,” Boyles said.
