Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) has expressed concerns about a recent proposal to transfer the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail project to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), in partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. The plan, presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), would require that existing rail infrastructure remain in place.
Wilt noted that there has been longstanding community interest in converting the decommissioned Norfolk Southern line from Broadway to Front Royal into a recreational trail. He stated, “For more than a decade, there has been broad community interest in putting the decommissioned Norfolk Southern line from Broadway to Front Royal back into productive use, most commonly discussed as a recreational trail. After strong local support and early economic analysis, I was proud to carry the 2020 budget amendment directing DCR to study the feasibility and benefits of a Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail.”
He also addressed advocacy for preserving the rail line alongside developing a trail. “A small group has continued to advocate for preserving the rail line and promoting a rail-with-trail concept. While I have always remained open to any viable proposal, the most recent VDOT study estimates that the rail-with-trail alternative would cost more than four times the trail-only option – nearly $700 million. In addition, the rail-with-trail scenario introduces significant safety and engineering challenges and would require acquiring additional right-of-way from adjoining landowners. Furthermore, no credible operator has ever been identified to run such a line or come forward with a serious proposal, nor has any committed customer base been established. This raises serious questions about the economic viability of restoring rail service. Overall, the latest study points to the trail option as a feasible path forward and the one with the broadest community support.”
Wilt criticized changes regarding public hearings on this matter: “The VDOT study also called for public hearings and opportunities for community input following its release. However, references to these hearings have recently been removed from the VDOT website, and it appears VDOT no longer intends to carry them out as promised.”
He further questioned transparency around decision-making: “Instead, the Secretary’s office presented a new proposal that has not been publicly vetted, is inconsistent with the findings of the latest VDOT study, allows no opportunity for competing proposals, and asks CTB to act within roughly a month without sufficient transparency or public engagement. Most concerning is that the proposal seems to require that the existing rail infrastructure remain in place, effectively forcing a rail-with-trail scenario that, as previously outlined based on the study, poses steep hurdles to success. This provision alone may function as a poison pill and could prevent any trail infrastructure from ever being developed.”
Wilt urged both VPRA Board members and CTB officials not to proceed hastily: “In the interest of practicing wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I strongly urge the VPRA Board to delay accepting SVRT funds, and similarly I call on the CTB to refrain from advancing the plan outlined at the December 9 meeting.”
He concluded by advocating for promised public hearings before making further decisions: “The best path forward in the immediate is for VDOT to complete the public hearings promised as part of the study. After conclusion of that process, if consensus is for an entity other than Commonwealth to take over project and manage or own corridor then competitive RFP style process should be undertaken so all qualified organizations may submit proposals. CTB could then select option that is most viable and most likely succeed.”
Wilt was elected as a Republican representative in 2024 for Virginia’s 34th House district after replacing Kathleen J. Murphy.
