After assessing several choices, the company chose a route that will generally run along the former railroad line that once served the current Edwardsport Station. The rail spur will extend north through Westphalia and on to Sandborn.
Jack Stultz, manager of the new plant said “After carefully evaluating several possible routes and input from public workshops, we believe this route is the best overall choice for the community, the environment and the project. We know that some residents may have concerns over this choice, and we will do our best to address their issues.”
Although Duke Energy acquired the former railroad line in November 2008, the company will need to purchase additional land rights from property owners along the rail spur route. Over the next several weeks, Duke Energy will be contacting those affected.
Construction of the rail spur is expected to begin in 2010. The goal is to have it available for use when the new plant begins operating in 2012. The rail spur will allow Duke Energy to move sulfur byproducts from the new plant to resale markets. Proceeds from the sale of these byproducts can help offset the operating costs of the new plant for customers.
The rail spur also will give the company a transportation alternative for delivering coal to the plant. While no decision has been made on whether to transport coal by train or truck to the plant, having a transportation option could help reduce operating costs for customers as well as truck traffic.
