Del. Sam Rasoul on Norfolk Southern Roanoke announcement

Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke City) criticized today’s announcement that Norfolk Southern will close its building in Roanoke and relocate, resulting in a loss a 400 jobs to the Roanoke region.

“I was shocked and deeply disappointed to hear about Norfolk Southern’s plans,” said Rasoul.  “Aside from uprooting hundreds of families and dealing a severe economic blow to the Roanoke Valley, the decision shows a blatant and insulting disregard for Roanoke’s role in helping to build the railroad in our region.  Roanoke has long been a crossroads for the railroad.  The railroad is central to our history to the point that it is the primary image on our city seal.”