Received the following via email.
State-of-the-Art Terminal Begins Operations in Winter Haven
WINTER HAVEN,
Fla. - April 2, 2014 - Evansville Western Railway, an affiliate of CSX,
today announced the start of operations at the state-of-the-art intermodal
terminal located just off State Road 60. Known as the Central Florida
Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC), this facility serves as a centralized hub
for transportation, logistics and distribution serving Orlando, Tampa and
South Florida.
The 318-acre intermodal terminal is surrounded by 930
acres that is planned for development of up to 7.9 million square feet of
warehouse distribution centers, light industrial and office facilities. The
terminal features five 3,000-foot loading tracks and two 10,000-foot arrival
and departure tracks. It's estimated the terminal will process up to 300,000
containers a year.
"The Central Florida ILC will add yet another
transportation and logistics capability in a state that's already known for
excellent ports, great highways, and extensive railroad connectivity," said
Clarence Gooden, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at
CSX. "The terminal will provide an anchor for economic development in the
region and position Florida for future growth while reducing congestion on
the highways."
While Evansville Western Railway owns the facility, the
terminal is operated by CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. with rail service
provided by CSX Transportation (CSXT). Containerized freight previously
handled at CSX's intermodal terminal in Orlando is immediately being shifted
to Winter Haven. CSX will serve the region's intermodal market from the new
Central Florida ILC and close its Orlando intermodal terminal. CSXT's Taft
yard in Orlando will continue to serve other rail freight needs.
The
terminal incorporates cutting-edge technology that is efficient, innovative
and environmentally friendly. Several of its green technology initiatives
include:
- three high-powered electric cranes that minimize noise and
emissions;
- solar panels on each building which provide alternative and
renewable energy sources;
- high mast exterior lighting using LED (light
emitting diodes) to reduce energy consumption and light pollution;
-
silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its administration buildings.
"This is one of the most
technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the country," said Tony
Reck, Chairman and CEO of Evansville Western Railway. "The ripple effect of
this terminal's operations will be felt statewide and beyond - ultimately
setting the stage for future growth in the region. Without the tremendous
support and visionary leadership of Winter Haven and state officials, none
of this would have been possible."
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.
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Contact:
Kristin
Seay
904-359-3442