City Council backs Intermont Partners’ $350,000 rail access grant application

Bristol City Council unanimously approved a resolution at its Nov. 26 meeting endorsing Intermont Partners’ application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for $350,000 in Industrial Access Railroad Track Funds.

Economic Development Specialist Mack Chapman told council members that Intermont Partners intends to apply for the grant to add rail access to its operation. Chapman and Mayor Becky Nave said the project would create additional jobs and, according to staff material presented at the meeting, remove 3,845 tanker trucks from I-81 and local roads.

“Intermont Partners has expressed their intent to apply for a $350,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to add rail access,” Chapman said in his staff report. Mayor Nave emphasized that the project would not impose costs on the city and highlighted the traffic reduction estimate as a community benefit.

Councilmember Neal Osborne supported the resolution, saying the project would help the local business operate more efficiently and benefit travelers on Interstate 81. Councilmember Michael Pollard noted he had sent detailed questions to staff but expressed that the state grant reflected the project’s merit and that the company would contribute about 30% of project costs.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution. The motion to approve was moved by Councilmember Neal Osborne and seconded by Councilmember Michael Pollard.

Next steps: the resolution makes the city’s support known to the Commonwealth Transportation Board and accompanies Intermont’s application to the state rail agency. No additional city funding was approved at the meeting.