National Coal Corp. is seeking to buy a 42-mile branch line from Norfolk Southern Corp. that runs from Scott County to Anderson County, Tennessee, near Clinton, in order to haul coal and possibly carry sight-seeing excursions.

Federal Surface Transportation Board records show that the railroad's petitions to abandon the line have been put on hold and the two companies have until Dec. 15 to work out a deal.

"We do want to get it open," National Coal Senior Vice President Charles Kite said. "It's not inexpensive to buy and restore service, but it's something that's probably in the region's best interest."

Kite said his company has discussed tourist trips through the rugged, scenic country with Friends of the Big South Fork.

"It's one of the most scenic areas in the whole world," Scott County Mayor Dwight Murphy said. "The economic impact could be great for tourism and also for coal production."

National Coal currently has one active mine in the region and currently hauls 40,000 tons of coal a month by truck from a preparation plant in Smoky Junction in Scott County. It holds permits for five more mines in the region.

The rail branch also runs through a small part of Campbell County. Mayors of all three counties have been concerned about the wear on county roads caused by National Coal's trucks and want more coal traffic to be transferred to rail.

Murphy said the state has granted approval for the counties to create a railroad authority, which could apply for state Transportation Department grants.