The city of Weirton is exploring whether it can stop its slow decline by using rail lines, roads and river access to become a major shipping port.

The city has won a $5,000 state grant to study the idea of an inter-modal transportation center, which would be built around the Weirton Rail Yard.

The former Weirton Steel property is among those that current owner ArcelorMittal is considering selling.

John Brown, a regional planning official, says the project could clean up old industrial sites, create jobs and improve the appearance of Weirton.

Plans will now focus on site revitalization, and cost and revenue projections.