Economic development in counties along the old Monon between Bedford and New Albany could be seriously hampered if CSX is permitted to abandon the line.

That was the feeling mayors, other public officials and representatives of economic development corporations expressed during a public meeting at Salem Friday morning. The meeting was conducted by the Surface Transportation Board.

The STB called the meeting in order to hear public comments regarding the discontinuance of operation by CSX along 62 miles of line from near Bedford to New Albany, as well as the Indiana Rail Road's track abandonment petition for 22 miles of line from Crane to Bedford.

Sixty people attended the meeting. Most of the 17 speaking cited the importance of railroads to economic development in small communities.

Several noted that from 25 to 50 percent of industries looking to locate in communities ask about the availability of rail service.

“We need all the help we can get,” Jess Helsel, president of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership said. If CSX is permitted to abandoned the line through this area, “an important tool will be missing from our (economic development) toolbox.”

Mayors from Bedford and MItchell spoke, explaining that the two communities have formed the White River Port Authority with one of the authority’s goals being the acquisition of the line between those two cities.

Both said economic development in their communities is greatly enhanced by the presence of the railroad.

Several noted that if CSX does abandon the line, efforts must be made to ensure the right-of-way remains intact and available for possible future use. Hiking and bicycle trails were mentioned as possible interim uses.

The hearing officer was Joe Dittmar of the STB, He explained that no decisions were being made at the meeting. The purpose was to collect comments.

Among volunteers from The Depot in attendance were Bill Litkenhous, Richard Cantwell, Andy Long, Jim Smoak and Cecil Smith.