Received the following via email.
National Gateway Completes Phase One Clearance, Applauds
Partners
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - September 5, 2013 - The National Gateway
coalition today announced the on-time, on-budget completion of its first
phase, which clears the way for double-stack intermodal rail service between
CSX's existing terminal in Chambersburg, Pa. and its state-of-the-art hub
facility in Northwest Ohio.
The National Gateway, an award-winning
$850 million public private partnership to create a highly efficient and
environmentally-friendly, double-stack cleared rail corridor between the
Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, is made possible through a combination of federal
and state funds and CSX investment.
"Today, we celebrate the efforts
of federal and state officials in achieving this milestone, which means more
jobs, a more competitive America, and a more environmentally friendly way to
move freight," said Michael J. Ward, CSX chairman, president and chief
executive officer. "This is great news for our nation's transportation
infrastructure, our customers and the communities we serve, and wouldn't be
possible without the major investment of time and resources by our federal
and state partners. While this is a significant milestone, our work is not
done. Working with our public sector partners, we need to finish the job
and complete double-stack clearances between Chambersburg and the Ports of
Baltimore and Virginia."
Since its inception, the National Gateway
generated support from governors and scores of public officials across six
states, including more than three dozen members of Congress, three port
authorities and dozens of global shippers, ocean carriers, business
organizations and environmental groups.
Public funding for Phase One was
supported by a federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic
Recovery) grant secured by the State of Ohio on behalf of the coalition, and
administered by the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal
Highway Administration.
As one of the nation's largest transportation
projects, over a 30 year period, the National Gateway will create more than
50,000 jobs and deliver a host of benefits including reduced fuel
consumption, lower emissions, better safety, lower highway maintenance costs
and reduced shipping costs. The National Gateway is driving economic growth
in areas like Wood County, Ohio, where the recently opened Northwest Ohio
Intermodal Terminal employs nearly 300 full-time employees and is handling
hundreds of thousands of containers per year.
"The National Gateway
will stimulate economic activity and boost the United States' competitive
edge in the global economy while employing the people who will prepare us to
meet future challenges," added Ward. "CSX is proud to support this
significant infrastructure investment that will help modernize our
transportation system and spur growth."
The National Gateway is currently
focused on the project's Phase Two, which will double-stack clear the CSX
corridor between Chambersburg, Pa. and mid-Atlantic ports.
To learn
more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Endorsements
of the National Gateway
Jim Filter, SVP of Intermodal Commercial
Management, Schneider National
"The completion of these clearances improves
Schneider Intermodal's customer experience while also providing more modal
conversion opportunities for shippers. The National Gateway helps deliver
our truck-like service commitment by increasing reliability and providing
faster intermodal transit."
Barry Schoch, Secretary of
Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
"The National Gateway is a great
example of the benefits that public and private organizations can deliver
together. As an engineer, I'm proud of the role played by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania and the many other public partners in this engineering feat
that will drive economic growth and development for years to
come."
Matthew Dietrich, executive director of the Ohio Rail Development
Commission (ORDC)
"Thanks to the National Gateway project, the most
state-of-the art intermodal yard is now located in North Baltimore, Ohio.
The intermodal freight connections provided by the National Gateway put Ohio
at the hub of moving goods in North America. ORDC is very proud to be a part
of this vast public-private partnership that is boosting our nation's
economic development potential."
Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA),
Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure
"The efficient and effective transportation of goods is
essential to ensuring America remains strong in an increasingly competitive
global marketplace. Initiatives like the National Gateway will help
strengthen Pennsylvania's and the nation's economy by improving the flow of
commerce and creating jobs."
Contact:
National
Gateway
Carla Groleau
1-877-TELL CSX