CSX Celebrates Future of Intermodal Transportation at Central Florida ILC Grand Opening
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (October
16, 2014) - CSX (NYSE:CSX), along with federal, state and local officials,
today celebrated the grand opening of the new Central Florida Intermodal
Logistics Center (ILC) in Winter Haven .
The facility, which began operations earlier this year, provides a centralized
hub for transportation, logistics and distribution serving Orlando ,
Tampa and other regional Florida markets.
"The Central Florida ILC is the result of strategic
collaboration between the City of Winter Haven, numerous state and local
partners and CSX to create jobs and further strengthen Florida's transportation
system," said Michael Ward, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer at CSX. "CSX is proud to invest in this important development in
our home state that will help to drive Florida 's
economy and position the state for continued growth in the future."
More than 200 people attended today's event including U.S. Congressmen Daniel Webster and Tom Rooney
and officials from the City of Winter Haven ,
Polk County Board of County
Commissioners , the
Florida Legislature, and others.
"The Central Florida ILC is a game changer for Winter Haven not only
because of the opening of the state-of-the-art terminal, but because of the
economic development potential this project represents," said Winter Haven
Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong. "Winter Haven is now a partner in the freight distribution
industry, and is in the position to serve as an inland port for the global
entry of goods and merchandise in Florida . We are proud to be the home of such an
extensive project, which sets the stage for tremendous growth in the Polk County
region."
The 318-acre intermodal terminal has capacity to process up
to 300,000 containers a year and is designed for scalable expansion as freight volumes
continue to grow. The terminal incorporates advanced environmentally-friendly
technology including three high-powered electric cranes, solar panels and high
mast exterior lighting to maximize energy efficiency.
"The value of Florida 's
transportation system is in the seamless connectivity between its many
modes," said Clarence Gooden, Executive Vice President and Chief
Commercial Officer at CSX. "This terminal is a model for how Florida 's transportation
modes work together collectively for the good of customers and the communities
we serve."
The terminal is surrounded by 930 acres that are being
developed in phases to build up to 7.9 million square feet of warehouse
distribution centers and light industrial facilities. In July, Winter Haven
Industrial Investors LLC purchased more than 500 acres of the adjoining
property for phase one of this development, which is expected to bring
thousands of jobs to the area and support the freight transportation needs of
customers throughout the region.
About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville ,
Florida , is a premier
transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck
transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets,
including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer
products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the
nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects
every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States , where nearly
two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240
short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major
population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX
Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).
Contact:
Kristin Seay
904-359-3442