North Judson has picked a buyer for its short line railroad. The town’s redevelopment commission voted Monday to sell the 33-mile railroad corridor to Midwest & Bluegrass Rail. The company submitted the highest of three offers at $2,725,000.
Midwest & Bluegrass already operates the line, having purchased the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad last year. It’s also been getting along well with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, which runs passenger excursions between North Judson and English Lake.
As part of Monday’s action, the redevelopment included some conditions designed to protect the interests of the museum and allow for the future extension of the Erie Trail. The museum is guaranteed a 10-year extension to its current operating agreement, as well as the first right of refusal to purchase the portion of the line it currently uses should Midwest & Bluegrass decide to sell it. Meanwhile, the Prairie Trails Club will get an easement to install a trail along the Starke County portion of the right-of-way. That would aid the club in its effort to extend the Erie Trail toward Hebron.
The sale will put an end to almost 17 years of town ownership of the rail line. It was part of an effort to preserve the last remaining service in what was once a busy railroad town at the intersection of four major lines.
Town Attorney Justin Schramm expects the sale to close within the next 60 days.
