(Dec. 22, 2016) After a groundswell of support from local and, eventually, state agencies in support of an excursion train connecting, at minimum, Berlin and Snow Hill, mayors Gee Williams of Berlin and Charlie Dorman of Snow Hill said they’ve decided to take the idea back to the drawing board.
“Basically the three key players in getting started are Berlin, Snow Hill and the railroad. We’re going to go back to the original premise of building the train, and if it grows from there — great,” Williams said. “The state had added many layers beyond our capacity and financial wherewithal. I’m glad the state is excited but we want to build a solid foundation.”
One aspect added to the train proposal, which had not been confirmed before, was a hot air balloon festival in Worcester County. Another aspect of the burgeoning train proposal, Williams said, was an agreement to run freight for Tyson Foods using the rail to Frankford, Delaware.
“We’re getting the cart before the horse. It’s not what we’re about. We know we have an excellent market for a train. Ocean City would be a benefactor but our towns have to be at the forefront of the benefits, like jobs and revenue. There’s plenty to accomplish without the other expectations,” he said.
Williams said he was committed to working with Dorman every step of the way.
“There’s not much happening,” Dorman said. “We’re ready to go, Berlin is ready to go, but the railroad isn’t, and the railroad is the key.”
Calls to the Maryland Delaware Railroad seeking comment were not returned.
“I had conversations with them last week, and we have very much the same thinking but from different perspectives,” Williams said. “Investment is needed, and we may need to start in our own backyards. The track south of Berlin to Snow Hill needs help. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a public/private partnership.”
But not every offer that comes down the pike will be accepted, Williams said.
“There’s an opportunity to benefit both communities and the county but need other parties to get on board and benefit our communities first. The towns have been taken for granted in the whole thing — we’re not so desperate as to agree to anything,” he said.
Williams said the train project wasn’t a drag race that needed to go from zero to 120 mph. in seconds.
“We don’t have to start at the very beginning because we’ve done good research. Partners in other governments will join when they see we have a good solid plan,” he said. “Eventually, the bell will ring — it just hasn’t rung yet.”
Dorman said he will further the conversation with the state in January, when the next session of the General Assembly begins.
“Basically the three key players in getting started are Berlin, Snow Hill and the railroad. We’re going to go back to the original premise of building the train, and if it grows from there — great,” Williams said. “The state had added many layers beyond our capacity and financial wherewithal. I’m glad the state is excited but we want to build a solid foundation.”
One aspect added to the train proposal, which had not been confirmed before, was a hot air balloon festival in Worcester County. Another aspect of the burgeoning train proposal, Williams said, was an agreement to run freight for Tyson Foods using the rail to Frankford, Delaware.
“We’re getting the cart before the horse. It’s not what we’re about. We know we have an excellent market for a train. Ocean City would be a benefactor but our towns have to be at the forefront of the benefits, like jobs and revenue. There’s plenty to accomplish without the other expectations,” he said.
Williams said he was committed to working with Dorman every step of the way.
“There’s not much happening,” Dorman said. “We’re ready to go, Berlin is ready to go, but the railroad isn’t, and the railroad is the key.”
Calls to the Maryland Delaware Railroad seeking comment were not returned.
“I had conversations with them last week, and we have very much the same thinking but from different perspectives,” Williams said. “Investment is needed, and we may need to start in our own backyards. The track south of Berlin to Snow Hill needs help. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a public/private partnership.”
But not every offer that comes down the pike will be accepted, Williams said.
“There’s an opportunity to benefit both communities and the county but need other parties to get on board and benefit our communities first. The towns have been taken for granted in the whole thing — we’re not so desperate as to agree to anything,” he said.
Williams said the train project wasn’t a drag race that needed to go from zero to 120 mph. in seconds.
“We don’t have to start at the very beginning because we’ve done good research. Partners in other governments will join when they see we have a good solid plan,” he said. “Eventually, the bell will ring — it just hasn’t rung yet.”
Dorman said he will further the conversation with the state in January, when the next session of the General Assembly begins.