Community Bulletin
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Kathryn “Kathy” Smith, vice president of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DGVR), who passed away Friday, July 31, 2026.
Smith, alongside her husband John Smith, president of DGVR, played a pivotal role in transforming abandoned rail lines into one of West Virginia’s premier tourism and transportation assets. DGVR began its operations on a small section of abandoned track in Durbin. In 1997, the railroad successfully proposed to the state to assume operations of the West Virginia Central Railroad, connecting Durbin to the broader WVCR network.
“Kathy Smith’s vision and dedication helped turn forgotten rail corridors into living pathways that connect West Virginians and visitors to our state’s rich history and natural beauty,” said West Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh. “Her work with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad has left a lasting legacy that strengthens both our tourism economy and our multimodal transportation network. We are grateful for her contributions and mourn her passing.”
Smith was integral to every aspect of the railroad’s growth, helping bring more than a million excursion passengers to the state over what had once been abandoned tracks. In 2015, the railroad assumed responsibility for operating the Cass Scenic Railroad.
Cass Scenic Railroad traces its roots to 1901, when the town of Cass was established as a company town by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company to support logging operations in the nearby mountains, where the Smiths lived for decades. After the timber industry declined and operations ceased in 1960, the line and surrounding property were preserved. Today, thanks to Smith and DGVR, it remains one of West Virginia’s most cherished heritage attractions.
“Kathy’s partnership with the State Rail Authority and the Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities helped ensure that these historic lines continued to serve the public,” said Stephen Connolly, acting commissioner of the Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities. “Her practical leadership and commitment to excellence made a real difference for rail tourism in West Virginia. She will be fondly remembered.”
Smith’s life was a testament to joy, passion and hard work. She will be missed deeply.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation joins the rail community and the people of West Virginia in offering its sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
