A local railway could be key to future economic development.
 

The Mansfield Railport and Ashland Railway stores and moves products by rail, with a direct connection to 3 major railroads.  And 12th District U.S. Congressman Pat Tiberi was in town Thursday to tour the facilities at 1427 Sprang Parkway.
  

Managing Director Don Cleland invited the Congressman to see what they do, and take a brief trip on the rails.

  
The railway is 34 miles long and runs from Mansfield to West Salem. The service operates five days a week.
 

Cleland said the short line rail is vital for industrial development. 

"I wanted to convey the presence of the railroad because many people aren't aware there is a short line railroad in Richland County and to convey the importance of the short line to the community for industrial development," Cleland said.

"It was cool to see what they do, how they do it and how an improved track will improve opportunities," Congressman Tiberi said.

"This is an important component of economic development in this community," Tiberi said. 

Congressman Tiberi is running for re-election in Ohio's newly redrawn 12th Congressional District, which will include all of Delaware, Licking and Morrow counties as well as parts of Marion, Muskingum and Richland counties and the northern portion of Franklin County.