Raleigh-to-Wilmington train eyed

Now THIS could be very cool.

From uber-reporter and hell of a guy Chris Baysden:

N.C. DOT's Rail Division "has applied for almost $7 million in federal planning funds that would allow for the expansion of intercity passenger rail service in the state – including between Raleigh and Wilmington. ...

"The funds, from the Federal Rail Administration, would be used to conduct environmental studies, engineering and design work for future intercity passenger services, NCDOT said in a written statement. These studies would assess ridership, revenue, construction and operating costs on two routes: between Raleigh and Wilmington and between Salisbury and Asheville. ...

"North Carolina already won a large chunk of federal money for rail improvements this year. In January, North Carolina announced grants of $545 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for further development of sections of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor located in the state."

Granted, it would be tough to hit the train in Raleigh, get off in Wilmington and then find our way to CB, but it's at least a start.