The 15-mile railroad corridor that Norfolk Southern is offering runs through the heart of Newton County represents an opportunity that has been left lying on the table for too long.

This property, which cuts almost a perfect swath through the county, would be ideal for a myriad of uses, including transportation of water from the proposed Bear Creek reservoir that is to be built in the southern part of the county.

The fact that the railroad would give up such precious property is amazing in itself. The fact that they have offered it to local governments at a great price is a blessing.

But the railroad has tired of giving officials all the time in the world to make a decision on buying this land.

A deadline has been issued by the railroad. If no action is taken on this property by the end of the quarter or there’s no evidence of good faith to do so, the property will go up for sale.

That shouldn’t be allowed to happen. We predict that eventually all or part of this property will be needed and the costs will far exceed today’s price.

We urge that this property be bought now. Afterward, there will be time for the discussions on its best use, whether that’s as a trail or some other use to be decided by the taxpayers of Newton County.

We ask our elected officials to join forces and make the wise decision to purchase this property while they can. It makes good fiscal sense.