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Port Freeport celebrates rail development ribbon cutting

[ July 3, 2019   //   ]

On June 28th, Port Freeport and their honored guests joined together for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development, a
250-acre site adjacent to State Highway 36.

In August 2017, Port Freeport broke ground on the $21 million Parcel 14 Rail Development Project. Approximately 21,000 linear feet of rail track has been constructed consisting of a 6,000-foot lead track spurring from the Union Pacific main line at Cherry Street, that crosses SH 36, and then connects to three ladder tracks of approximately 5,000 feet each.

“Port Freeport is excited to celebrate this momentous occasion. A rail-served multimodal development has been part of Port Freeport’s long-term strategic initiatives,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO. “The project further enhances the Port’s landside capabilities to support the continued economic expansion in the region.”

The site will be developed into a multimodal industrial park complete with new warehousing facilities, cross-docking activities and distribution centers. The park will also include the previously
announced expansion of Horizon Terminal Services’ new vehicle processing and storage area. A recently awarded federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program will advance construction of the second phase of
the rail project which will include an additional 24,000 feet of ladder tracks parallel to the phase one track. Union Pacific Railroad will offer manifest train service to the new rail infrastructure.

“The Port is pleased to provide these additional capabilities which will create additional jobs and economic growth for our current and future customers. With the expansion of the Panama Canal and the oil and gas renaissance experienced in this region, we are planning for growth at Port Freeport to continue,” said Port Freeport Chairman Shane Pirtle.

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