Abstract

With demand for coal from the Central Appalachian Basin waning, coalitions and organizations throughout the region have sought to diversify the region’s economy. However, the potential exists to use coal and coal-based resources to produce new and innovative products and kick start economic growth in the basin. This includes carbon ore, rare earth and critical minerals (CORE-CM), other minerals, and waste streams. If the region is to take advantage of these economic growth opportunities, transportation infrastructure must be developed and maintained in a sound condition. Reliable roads, highways, and bridges provide rural areas with access to capital, labor, and markets for goods. This study looks at lessons learned from local and state government experiences with energy exploration and extraction and identifies how current infrastructure could support CORE-CM activities. The Central Appalachian Basin’s transportation networks can support increased freight movement, but governments must implement strategies that balance maintenance of existing infrastructure with investments in new facilities. Data-driven decision making can lead to the adoption of policies that support region-wide economic development. Recommendations are advanced related to freight planning, statewide multimodal transportation planning, virtual weigh station technology, and funding strategies.

Report Date

7-2023

Report Number

KTC-24-01

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2024.01

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