Letter to the editor: Here's a logical way to help our economic health

By: Mooresville Tribune/Letter to the Editor | Mooresville Tribune
Published: November 12, 2008

I have lived in Mooresville for two years now. During that time I have seen and heard many stories about highway congestion, commuter rail, hydrogen trains, long empty manufacturing facilities (mills), power plant construction concerns, air quality issues, loss of manufacturing jobs, downtown Mooresville revitalization efforts and hopes to develop the area as a leader in alternative energy technologies.

My understanding is that one of the reasons that hydrogen trains are not yet practical is due to a lack of rolling stock. I have also recently read that it is now possible to produce hydrogen using solar technology as an electric supply source. We have lots of sun here.

So here's my idea. Why don't we entice a manufacturer of hydrogen powered trains to develop a manufacturing facility in the old mill building on Main Street in Mooresville. The track already goes right into that facility.

Then build small commuter train terminals anywhere you want between Charlotte and say Statesville or Salisbury. They will in turn stimulate tax paying businesses around them. The roof of the manufacturing facility and maybe the roof of each terminal could be covered with solar cells to produce the hydrogen to run the train.

I know this is very simplistic but think about it. In one fell swoop you will have finally put a tax paying entity in the old mill. You will have increased employment in the manufacturing sector. You will have brought a lot of new people to the downtown area to eat and shop every day. You will have decreased the number of commuters on I-77. (You can stop funding the 83X bus if you must). You will improve air quality. You will undoubtedly be eligible for State and Federal grants for developing alternative energy, public transportation and clean air technology.

Duke energy might even help pay for it as part of their new conservation and alternative energy requirements. Mooresville will become the worldwide destination for anyone interested in this new technology.

Other related businesses could follow making Race City USA the home of high tech transportation. The hotels and restaurants will see increased business and you will see increased tax revenue.
I understand the barriers and complexities of getting this done. I didn't say it would be easy, but that's my idea. Our town leaders are the do-ers. The rest is up to them.

Rick Cerchiara
Mooresville