The West Central Ohio Port Authority (WESTCO) was created by the Boards of County Commissioners of Champaign, Clark, and Fayette counties pursuant to Chapter 4582 of the Ohio Revised Code for the public purpose of preserving railroad assets and providing for the continued operation of rail freight services.  The port authority is now in its 19^th year supporting industry and agri-business in the region.

WESTCO has a board of seven directors.  The directors are appointed by agreement among the participating counties.  The board is responsible for the governing of the port authority pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code and the board's adopted rules and regulations.  The secretary/treasurer is the point of contact for the board.

The IORY can interchange rail traffic originating or terminating on WESTCO lines at the following locations:

Class I Railroads:

• Canadian National at Cincinnati and Flat Rock, Michigan
• CSXT at Cincinnati, Lima, Middletown and Hamler, and
• Norfolk Southern at Lima, Springfield, Cincinnati and Monroe
• Western Railroads at Chicago through the CFER (see below)

Sister Railroads:

• Chicago, Ft. Wayne, & Eastern Railroad at Lima and with interchange at Chicago, IL
• Central Railroad of Indiana at Valley Junction, OH
• Indiana Southern Railroad through CIND

Other Railroads:

• Ann Arbor Railroad at Diann, MI
• Adrian and Blissfield Railroad at Riga, MI
• RJ Corman Railroad at Lima
• Wheeling Lake Erie Railroad at Lima

The extensive interchange opportunities offered by the IORY provides for competitive freight rates and options in sourcing raw materials and shipping finished products.