French Broad River MPO

Freight and logistics are essential to the functioning of Western North Carolina economy. While the private sector provides the majority of freight and logistics services, regional planning for freight infrastructure needs helps our communities and companies reduce congestion, improve safety and improve efficiency in freight services.

Western North Carolina Transportation Alliance

The Western North Carolina Transportation Alliance was launched by local manufacturers to efficiently manage regional transportation assets, increase fleet utilization and combat rising costs of fuel and deadhead miles. The association of companies has grown to include over 40 transportation, logistics and supply chain professionals from the manufacturing sector.  Click here and here for more information.

North Carolina Statewide Logistics Plan

2008 Statewide Logistics Plan was initiated in response to House Bill 1005, Session Law 2007-551, by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.  The plan addresses the state's long-term economic, mobility and infrastructure needs. Final report expected in December 2011; see more here.

Seven Portals Study:  An Investigation of Economic Development through Logistics Villages

This report, commissioned by the Governor's Logistics Task Force, considers potential Logistics Villages locations.  See the WNC Region draft report here.

Western North Carolina Inland Port Feasibility Study (2009)

The purpose of the Western North Carolina Inland Port Feasibility Study was to determine the most appropriate type of inland port, if any, to promote overall economic development and be suitable to the geography and manufacturing characteristics of Western North Carolina.  Commissined by the State of North Carolina, Appalachian Regional Commission, AdvantageWest and Western Carolina University.  See the document here.

What Are Freight or Logistics Villages?

The concept of freight or logistics villages is becoming increasingly more popular in the U.S.. Freight villages combine goods movement and economic development through a fusion of land use and transportation planning which clusters freight-dependent companies around a concentration of shared transportation infrastructure. The general public benefits from reduced truck traffic and cost of goods and services. Read more here.