Old Augusta Railroad
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railroad |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Leaf River Forest Products, Inc. (subsidiary of Georgia-Pacific) |
| Headquarters | New Augusta , United States |
Area served | Mississippi |
| Products | Wood pulp, lumber, paper-related products |
| Owner | Koch Cellulose, LLC (subsidiary of Koch Industries) |
The Old Augusta Railroad is a shortline railroad operating between the Georgia-Pacific Leaf River Cellulose pulp mill located near the Old Augusta Historic Site in New Augusta, Mississippi and a junction with the Canadian National Railway (CN) situated between Mahned, Mississippi and New Augusta. Its main freight consists of wood pulp, lumber, and various paper-related products.
History
The railroad was constructed from August 1982 through early 1983 and was granted common carrier status by the Interstate Commerce Commission on February 23, 1983. Leaf River Forest Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Georgia-Pacific, developed the line, which initially connected with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad prior to CN's acquisition. The Old Augusta Railroad links to CN’s Beaumont Subdivision, providing a route between Mobile and Hattiesburg.
In 2004, ownership of the OAR transferred from Georgia-Pacific to Koch Cellulose, LLC, a subsidiary under Koch Industries and the parent company of Georgia-Pacific. During this transition, the railroad briefly operated under the name Old Pine Belt Railroad Company—a corporate entity that ceased activities on May 7, 2004—while OAR, LLC was concurrently formed.
Operations
By the year 1996, the Old Augusta Railroad managed around 10,000 carloads per year and maintained a fleet consisting of 195 boxcars.
Motive power
In 1987, the railroad’s roster included an EMD GP9 locomotive.
By 1996, its motive power comprised two locomotives: