EDA discusses railroad spur interest; BNSF says it would support but not fund construction

Dayton EDA members discussed interest in a railroad spur to serve industrial properties during staff and board updates on Feb. 18. Staff reported that BNSF had signaled willingness to support a spur conceptually but would not pay for construction; the transcript indicates any spur would require funding by a private developer, the city or other stakeholders.

EDA members said the primary potential customer for a spur would be a local stone/aggregate firm (referred to as "Simstone/Sunstone" in discussion). Staff told the board that the firm had expressed interest in rail access historically but was not prepared to build a spur at this time. Members discussed that if prospective tenants requested a rail spur, staff could advise them that the infrastructure would be available only if the project paid for spur construction or partnered with other funders.

The board discussed outreach steps, including staff asking businesses during property conversations whether they would use rail and adding information about rail availability in marketing materials for large industrial parcels. No formal direction to enter a funding agreement or obligation was made; the EDA agreed the issue remains dormant until a paying customer or developer expresses interest.

Members also discussed contacting BNSF and sending informational material to local businesses to determine interest, and agreed staff could ask businesses their rail interest during property‑level outreach.