CSX now allowed to “borrow” material along Nolichucky River for repairs

A recently granted state permit will allow CSX Transportation to “borrow” rock from several spots along the Nolichucky River bed, with restrictions, as it rebuilds track in the Nolichucky gorge that were destroyed during Hurricane Helene. CSX hopes to restore rail service in September 2025 with an estimated cost of more than $200 million for those repairs. The new permit allows CSX to “borrow” material from three different areas along the river but only above that high-water elevation. Removal of rock below the ordinary high-water elevation is prohibited. River advocates and groups are vowing to continue documenting work in the gorge and registering complaints with agencies when they believe it violates those restrictions.