Terry Tamburini, executive director of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, said the group is looking at several properties that could provide rail-to-water access, making them attractive ports.
"We've got the resources. While the lull (in the economy) is going on, this is a golden opportunity to get ready for it," he said. "After the economy turns around, it's too late."
Tamburini said the port authority has been in talks with the Price Inland Terminal in the Porterfield area about helping to acquire land to provide rail access to the facility, which regularly sees coal, limestone, gravel, aluminum and other products come through.
Bob Pennock, general manager of the terminal, said getting rail access would be very promising. Some residents might not realize that millions of tons of materials are transported on the Ohio River every year and there is potential for growth, he said.
"It's certainly one of the most economical means for transporting bulk commodities," he said.
A group of state lawmakers recently held an Ohio River summit in Ironton, discussing ways to collaborate with West Virginia and Kentucky to make better use of the river as a resource.
Some anticipate the river will see an increase in business with a major expansion of the Panama Canal scheduled to be completed in two years. Others are looking at the flurry of activity surrounding the Marcellus and Utica shale natural gas deposits.
An Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) study completed last year examined Washington County's potential to be a hub for container-on-barge shipping. While the study indicated the area did not have enough density and available containers to make that feasible now, a second phase is focusing on shipping goods beyond the traditional coal, gravel and salt, said Mark Locker, manager of maritime and freight mobility for ODOT.
Aside from the economic development potential increased shipping would bring to the region, Locker said it's a practical matter from ODOT's perspective. Finding other ways to transport heavy equipment and materials associated with accessing the shale resources - including the controversial "fracking" process and the sludge-like waste it generates - can provide relief to the state's highway system, he said.
"The river is an incredible resource that we have and let's use it to move really heavy objects," Locker said.
Ohio Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marietta, said he is optimistic about the effects of a potential energy boom because of the shale exploration.
"Up and down the river, we're talking about ways we can bring economic prosperity to what have been impoverished areas," he said.
Thompson said he is meeting soon with CSX officials to explore rail-to-water options.
Ohio Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, said companies have gotten comfortable with the flexibility of trucking but if the economics are right, she believes they will look at other avenues, including the Ohio River.
"Because energy prices are fluctuating more and generally going up, the increased efficiency and being able to control your costs are going to look more attractive," she said.
Tamburini mentioned a few other sites in the area that have at least two of the three criteria needed for a productive rail-to-water facility - water access, rail access and storage.
Wetz Warehousing has permits for docking at its 1300 Blue Knob Road site in Warren Township, along with 600,000 square feet of warehouse space where the company receives and ships raw materials and finished goods and products, said Evan Wetz, operations manager. While no docking facility has been built, it's something the company is considering.
Tamburini said extending rail access to the facility would make it even more attractive by providing another mode of transportation for materials delivered by water or truck.
"Two-thirds of the things we've got," he said.
Local officials are also watching what American Municipal Power does with the Richard H. Gorsuch Generating Station on Ohio 7. The facility closed in December and there has been some discussion of converting it into a gas peaking facility, to help provide additional power during peak usage periods. But if the company leaves the site, Tamburini said it could be a strong candidate for a port facility.