Press Releases
National Gateway Participates In Major Public-Private Transportation Partnership Conference
National Gateway Launches Facebook and Twitter Pages
Eco-Friendly Intermodal Cranes Will Improve Efficiency and Aid Economic Competitiveness
National Gateway Announces Online Project Update Resource
National Gateway Coalition Thanks Elected Officials
National Gateway Receives Federal Stimulus Funds through TIGER Program
Public Meetings for National Gateway Clearance Projects in Allegheny, Bedford, and Somerset Counties
New National Gateway Hub Showcases Environmental Commitment
National Gateway Addresses Need for Infrastructure Improvements
National Gateway Announces Completion of Carolina Corridor
National Gateway Wins Support of Major Environmental Groups
National Gateway Creates Long-Term Environmental Benefits
New DOT Fuel Efficiency Study Cites Double-Stack Rail Benefits
Proposed National Gateway Projects Create Thousands of Job Opportunities
National Gateway in the Spotlight as Public-Private Partnerships Gain Significance
National Gateway Announces Addition of More Than 50 New Supporters
National Gateway Coalition Applies for US DOT Discretionary Funds to Complete Project
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell Supports National Gateway
CSX Announces National Gateway to Improve Flow of Freight
National Gateway Participates In Major Public-Private Transportation Partnership Conference
Washington, DC - July 22, 2010 - The National Gateway has announced its participation in the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Public-Private Partnerships in Transportation Conference, a leading industry event on private financing of transportation projects on July 22-23 in Washington, D.C.
"Public-private partnerships offer tremendous value to businesses and taxpayers while also spurring job creation and economic growth," said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure initiatives, CSX Transportation. "By working together, the public and private sector can speed delivery of transportation solutions like the National Gateway, which will improve shipping options, reduce fuel consumption, lighten the load on our nation's highways and increase the nation’s competitiveness in the world market."
The National Gateway, an $842 million public private sector initiative, will deliver $22 in public benefits for every $1 of public funds invested by reducing highway congestion, lowering carbon dioxide emissions by almost 20 million tons, creating more than 50,000 jobs and alleviating freight bottlenecks that cause delays for companies and consumers shipping or receiving freight.
Innovation and modernizations within the rail industry have made railroads the most efficient way to transport freight. Shipping by rail delivers benefits to both consumers and other businesses within the supply chain. Trains can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel and one train can carry the load of 280 trucks.
The National Gateway will create a more efficient rail transport route by linking Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets with the use of double-stack trains. Double-stack trains deliver twice as many goods on one trip, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
In February 2010, the National Gateway was awarded $98 million in funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Today, the National Gateway is supported by over 70 public officials of both parties, including six governors, 39 Members of Congress and 28 state elected officials.
In 2009, the project was honored as "Competitiveness Project of the Year" by the North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum. Today, the National Gateway enjoys the support of over 50 businesses and business groups and 25 non-profit organizations.
Established in 1902, ARTBA is the oldest and most respected national transportation and construction association. The 22nd Annual ARTBA P3 Conference (http://www.artba.org/microsites/ppv/index.html) will explore the role public-private partnerships play in transportation infrastructure development domestically and abroad.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/Nat_Gateway) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/NationalGateway).
National Gateway Launches Facebook and Twitter Pages
Social media tools to provide real-time National Gateway updates
Washington, D.C. — July 7, 2010 - The National Gateway announced today the launch of its Facebook™ and Twitter™ social media channels
"With the addition of the National Gateway Facebook and Twitter channels, supporters or interested citizens will have the ability to easily access important information about the project and interact with other supporters," said Louis Renjel, vice president, strategic infrastructure initiatives for CSX Transportation. "We're excited about the National Gateway's many benefits, and hope others will join us online to show their support."
The National Gateway is an $842 million public-private sector initiative to create a more efficient rail route linking Mid-Atlantic ports with Midwestern markets, which will improve the flow of freight between these regions by increasing the use of double-stack trains. The project will create more than 50,000 jobs, reduce highway congestion and transportation emissions, and will deliver $22 in benefits for every $1 of public funds invested.
The National Gateway Twitter feed will provide timely information updates on major construction developments and milestones, while the National Gateway's Facebook page will feature robust visual content to provide a narrative of the project's progress.Â
The National Gateway is supported and endorsed by a growing coalition of governors and regional officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and dozens of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
Eco-Friendly Intermodal Cranes Will Improve Efficiency and Aid Economic Competitiveness
Toledo, OH - June 17, 2010 - CSX, a leader in freight transportation services, joined with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and the National Gateway to celebrate today the arrival of five new ultra-efficient intermodal cranes at the Port of Toledo. The cranes are bound for the new Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal in North Baltimore, Ohio.
"These cranes represent a major part of the revolution in environmentally-friendly freight transportation taking place in this region," said Peter Craig, terminal superintendent, CSX Intermodal. "Once installed, the cranes will reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of our operations throughout the Midwest, while increasing the economic competitiveness of the entire country."
Manufactured by Hans Kuenz GmbH, the new cranes are nearly silent, ultra-efficient wide span cranes that will serve rail, truck and container stacks at the Northwest Ohio facility. When transferring cargo containers between trains and trucks, the cranes will use electric motors to reduce emissions and will store the energy from crane, trolley and hoist decelerations for future use.
The Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal will be the cornerstone of the National Gateway, a public-private partnership to link the Midwest with the rest of the nation through increased use of double-stack trains, which stack containers on top of containers to move long distances. The Northwest Ohio Terminal is being built and operated by the Evansville & Western Railway Inc. The terminal will employ more than 200 people when fully operational in 2011, with 400 additional jobs to be created during the construction phase. Over the next 10 years, more than 2,600 direct and indirect jobs could be created as a result of the facility. The terminal will serve as the distribution hub for anything that can be bought at a retailer - from household electronic equipment to clothing.
Careful consideration and attention to detail have assured efficiency and concern for the environment throughout the terminal and intermodal yard. The use of optical cargo scanners at inbound and outbound gates will improve terminal efficiency and minimize truck idle time to reduce emissions. Scanners at both ends of the Northwest Ohio Terminal will feed container information into the operations system to automatically provide a work order to the trucker. The terminal will be lit with high-pressure sodium bulbs, which reduce energy consumption and light pollution. The yard will also utilize environmentally friendly steel ties, which are made from recycled steel and are 100% recyclable themselves.
The National Gateway is a multi-state infrastructure initiative supported by a coalition of supporters, which includes CSX and its affiliates, large and small business interests, logistics companies, environmental advocates, federal, state and local governments and economic development agencies. Over a 30-year period, the initiative will lower CO2 emissions by over 20 million tons, save businesses over $5 billion in shipping costs, reduce fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons, and reduce congestion on the highways.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company's web site, www.csx.com.
Contact
CSX
Carla Groleau
1-877-835-5279
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
1-857-991-1045
National Gateway Announces Online Project Update Resource
New online database provides project-specific news and updates
Washington, DC - March 1, 2010 - The National Gateway coalition today announced that it has added "Project Updates," an online resource for community members, contractors and others seeking information about current and upcoming National Gateway projects, to the initiative's Web site, NationalGateway.org.
"The National Gateway coalition plans to put the $98 million in federal TIGER transportation stimulus funds awarded to the initiative last week to work as quickly as possible on construction projects that enhance the use of fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly freight rail," said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure initiatives for CSX Transportation. "This upgrade to the National Gateway Web site allows residents and other stakeholders to easily access updates on projects across the network."
The upgraded Web site presents project and construction information in an interactive, easy-to-access format. Visitors can submit questions and comments about projects directly to the National Gateway coalition, and local contractors can submit their information to bid on upcoming construction projects.
"We are committed to communicating with stakeholders throughout all stages of the National Gateway project, from funding to construction to completion," added Renjel. "This upgrade to the National Gateway Web site is the latest step in making project information accessible and easy to find."
The National Gateway is an $842 million public-private sector initiative to create a more efficient rail route linking Mid-Atlantic ports with Midwestern markets, improving the flow of rail traffic between these regions by increasing the use of double-stack trains. This public-private partnership will upgrade tracks, equipment and facilities, and will provide clearance allowing double-stack intermodal trains.
The new National Gateway "Project Updates" Web section is online at http://updates.nationalgateway.org/.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
Media Release: Public Meetings for National Gateway Clearance Projects in Allegheny, Bedford, and Somerset Counties
Two Locations:
Somerset
March 9, 2010
Quality Inn Conference Center
215 Ramada Road
Somerset, PA 15501
Pittsburgh
March 4, 2010
University Club at Pitt
123 University Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Time: 4:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. Open House Format
CSX Transportation (CSXT) will host two public open houses to discuss the National Gateway rail infrastructure enhancements.
The initiative involves bridge replacements, tunnel work, and track lowerings along CSXTs railroad between Coraopolis and Hyndman, Pennsylvania to obtain necessary vertical clearance required to allow more efficient and environmentally beneficial double-stack trains to pass. The following clearance projects are planned to occur in the following counties and require the following work:
Allegheny County:
Coraopolis
- Remove the walkway over the CSXT railroad line.
McKees Rocks
- Lower tracks at Ohio Central Railroad Bridge.
Pittsburgh
- Modify portions of the bridge over Chartiers Creek.
- Lower tracks at the Smithfield Street Bridge.
- Remove and rebuild portions of the J&L Tunnel.
McKeesport
- Lower tracks at Walnut Street (SR 0048) Bridge.
Somerset County:
Confluence
- Open cut Benford and Shoofly Railroad Tunnels, CSXT owned property in Confluence will be used to place material removed from tunnels.
- Modify Brook Railroad Tunnel.
Pinkerton
- Modify Pinkerton Railroad Tunnel. CSXT owned property in Rockwood (Black Township) will be used to place material removed from tunnel.
Garrett
- Replace bridge at Church Street.
Sand Patch
- Raise portions of the Blue Lick Truss/ Keystone Viaduct bike and hike path bridge.
- Modify Sand Patch and Falls Cut Railroad Tunnels, CSXT owned property in Sand Patch will be used to place material removed from tunnels.
Bedford County:
Hyndman
- Modify portions of the bridge over Wills Creek.
The purpose of these meetings is to present and discuss the proposed improvement project with the general public, residents, business and property owners and public officials and to solicit public comments. The Somerset meeting will discuss the Somerset and Bedford County projects. The Pittsburgh meeting will discuss the Allegheny County sites as well as those located in Confluence, Somerset County. Parking will be validated at the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage, across from the University Club at the Pittsburgh meeting location.
Representatives from CSXT and consulting engineers will be present to discuss the proposed project, right-of-way acquisition process, environmental considerations as well as address any questions and concerns regarding this proposed transportation improvement project. The projects are scheduled for construction in 2010 and 2011. Detailed closure and detour information for affected public roads will be available at the public meeting for projects that have impacts to public travelled roads.
The public meeting will be rescheduled if the county in which the meeting is located has a "Snow Emergency Plan" in effect on the day of the meeting, or if the county's public schools have been closed and evening activities canceled.
Media Contacts:
Bob Sullivan
CSX Transportation
1-877-835-5279
Robert_Sullivan@csx.com
Media Advisory: Rescheduled Public Meeting for National Gateway Clearance Project in Harpers Ferry, WV
DATE: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
TIME: 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. (Open House Format)
LOCATION: Quality Inn Ballroom, 4328 William L. Wilson Highway, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 25425
CSX Transportation (CSXT) will host a public open house to discuss the National Gateway initiative clearance improvements on four tunnels in Maryland including Graham Tunnel near Magnolia, WV; Harpers Ferry Tunnel in Sandy Hook, MD; Catoctin Tunnel in Catoctin, MD; and Point of Rocks Tunnel in Point of Rocks, MD.
This special project involves increasing the vertical clearance over the CSXT tracks through four tunnels to obtain necessary vertical clearance required to allow double-stacked, intermodal, freight trains to pass through the structures. These double-stacked freight trains will allow for more efficient movement of freight between Midwest producers and consumers with mid-Atlantic ports and world markets. The work is being coordinated with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). The work for each tunnel will include:
- Graham Tunnel removal and replacement of the tunnel liner and portals, as well as removal of power lines across the top of the hill above the tunnel;
- Harpers Ferry Tunnel removal and replacement of the tunnel liner and portals; and
- Catoctin and Point of Rocks Tunnels shifting tracks at the portals to gain clearance and the tunnel liners will be replaced.
The purpose of this meeting is to present and discuss the proposed improvement project and alternatives with local residents, businesses and public officials. Public comments will be collected regarding the proposed improvement and its social, economic, and environmental impacts.
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), CSXT is completing environmental documentation for the proposed projects in Maryland. This documentation will note the existing conditions and potential impacts of the project. As part of this process, CSXT is actively working to provide federal and state agencies with the information necessary to satisfy the requirements of NEPA.
In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, information regarding the presence of any known cultural resources in the vicinity of the project is also requested. Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, sites and districts. CSXT requests that information about cultural resources in the area be submitted by the comment submission deadline.
Representatives from CSXT, SHA and consulting engineers may address any questions and concerns regarding this proposed project.
SNOW POLICY: The public meeting will be rescheduled if Jefferson County, West Virginia has a "Snow Emergency Plan" in effect on the day of the meeting, or if the county's public schools have been closed and evening activities canceled.
If you are unable to attend the public meeting on March 3, 2010 in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia you may submit written comments by March 17, 2010 to:
Martha Register
ARCADIS
801 Corporate Center Dr, Ste 300
Raleigh, NC 27607
or by project at: www.updates.nationalgateway.org.
Media Contacts:
Bob Sullivan
CSX Transportation
1-877-835-5279
Robert_Sullivan@csx.com
National Gateway Coalition Thanks Elected Officials
Washington, DC February 17, 2010 The National Gateway coalition today thanked the elected officials who have supported the job producing project, on the same day that the public-private partnership was awarded $98 million in funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The elected officials who support the National Gateway understand the importance of addressing the transportation infrastructure needs of our country, said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure initiatives, CSX Transportation. Under their leadership, the National Gateway is putting people to work, reducing congestion on our nations highways and improving the environment. CSX and the other members of the coalition are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing to work with them to make the National Gateway a reality.
An $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative, the National Gateway will enhance freight capacity by creating a highly efficient double-stack rail corridor between East Coast sea ports and consumption centers and Midwest distribution centers. The project will create more than 50,000 jobs, reduce transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours, and reduce highway congestion and transportation emissions.
The National Gateway coalition has unprecedented support from a large coalition of public and private sector leaders including governors and regional officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and dozens of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups.
The coalition would like to thank the following elected officials for their support:
Governors
- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland
- Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell
- Maryland Governor Martin OMalley
- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
- West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin
- North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue
U.S. Senators
- U.S Senator George Voinovich (Ohio)
- U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio)
- U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey (Pennsylvania)
- U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania)
- U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (Maryland)
- U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin (Maryland)
- U.S. Senator Jim Webb (Virginia)
- U.S. Senator Mark Warner (Virginia)
Members of Congress
- Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13)
- Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6)
- Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (OH-2)
- Congressman John Boccieri (OH-16)
- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9)
- Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15)
- Congressman Michael Turner (OH-3)
- Congressman Steven LaTourette (OH-14)
- Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17)
- Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14)
- Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-9)
- Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4)
- Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3)
- Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8)
- Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4)
- Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2)
- Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-7)
- Congressman Frank Kratovil, Jr. (MD-1)
- Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-3)
- Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-5)
- Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
- Congressman Glenn Nye (VA-2)
- Congressman James Moran (VA-8)
- Congressman Randy Forbes (VA-4)
- Congressman Robert Wittman (VA-1)
- Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (WV-2)
- Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-1)
- Congressman Howard Coble (NC-6)
- Congressman Mel Watt (NC-12)
- Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC-7)
- Congresswoman Sue Myrick (NC-9)
- Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-3)
State Elected Officials
- Armond Budish, Speaker, Ohio House of Representatives
- Robert F. Hagan, Chairman, Ohio House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
- Randy Gardner, Ohio House of Representatives
- Bill Harris, President, Ohio Senate
- Mark Wagoner, Ohio Senate, 2nd District
- Tom Patton, Ohio State Senate
- Joseph F. Markosek, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Richard A. Geist, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- J. Barry Stout, Pennsylvania Senate
- Michael E. Busch, Speaker of the Maryland House
- Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of the Maryland Senate
- Senator Ulysses Currie, Chairman of Maryland Senate Budget Committee
- John C. Astle, Maryland Senate
- Ward L. Armstrong, Virginia House of Delegates, Minority Leader
- David Englin, Virginia House of Delegates
- G. Manoli Loupassi, Virginia House of Delegates
- Glen Oder, Virginia House of Delegates
- Joe May, Virginia House of Delegates
- Mark Sickles, Virginia House of Delegates
- Robert H. Brink, Virginia House of Delegates
- S. Chris Jones, Virginia House of Delegates
- Frank Wagner, Virginia State Senate
- J. Chapman Peterson, Virginia State Senate
- Toddy Puller, Virginia State Senate
- Walter A. Stosch, Virginia State Senate
- Wm. Roscoe Reynolds, Virginia State Senate
- Kevin J. Craig, Member West Virginia House of Delegates
- Representative James W. Crawford, North Carolina General Assembly
Members of the National Gateway coalition include:
Businesses and Organizations
- Allegheny Conference on Community Development
- APL
- APM Terminals
- Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce
- Big Lots!
- Butler County Port Authority
- Celtic International
- Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- China Shipping
- CMA CGM
- Comprehensive Development Solutions
- Conservation Fund
- ContainerPort Group, Inc.
- CSX
- Evergreen
- Franklin Storage, LP
- Greater Baltimore Committee
- Greater Findlay, Inc.
- Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Hamburg Sud
- Hampton Roads Partnership
- Hapag Lloyd
- Hyundai Intermodal Inc.
- Jones Fall Watershed
- Limitedbrands
- Maryland Chamber
- Mercersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Mi-Jack Products
- Mosser Construction
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Mulch Manufacturing
- National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board
- Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
- ODW Logistics
- Ohio Chamber of Commerce
- Ohio Environmental Council
- Ohio Kentucky Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments
- Ohio Logistics
- Ohio Soybean Council
- OOCL
- Pacer Rail
- Pacer Stacktrain
- Pacific Rail Services
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
- Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
- Regional Growth Partnership
- ROAR Logistics
- Schneider National
- Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
- Trailer Transport Systems
- UPS
- Valley Quarries
- Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- Wood County Economic Development Commission
- Yang Ming
For more information about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
National Gateway Receives Federal Stimulus Funds through TIGER Program
Shovel Ready Project will Create Jobs, Reduce Emissions and Grow the Economy
Washington, DC February 17, 2010 The National Gateway announced today that it has been awarded $98 million in funding from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The National Gateway coalition is committed to putting Americans to work as soon as possible and building strategic infrastructure to meet our nations future transportation and environmental needs. The federal funds invested in this project will immediately be put to work alongside state and private funds to drive direct and long-lasting benefits in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina as well as the rest of the nation.
This grant is a validation of the benefits of freight rail and the prominent role that railroads play in growing our economy and protecting our environment, said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, whose state served as lead sponsor for the National Gateway TIGER application. With anticipated freight growth of 70 percent over the next two decades, the National Gateway is a timely and critical investment in our transportation infrastructure.
The National Gateway is an $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative dedicated to reducing congestion on the roads and highways, lowering transportation emissions, and conserving energy. This important project enhances freight capacity by creating a highly efficient double-stack rail corridor between East Coast sea ports and consumption centers and Midwest distribution centers, improving the nations economy and environment.
Trains can move a ton of freight more than 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making rail transportation at least three times more fuel-efficient than alternatives. By converting over 14 billion highway miles to double-stacked rail cars, the National Gateway will enable shippers to save over $3.5 billion in shipping costs, reduce fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons and lower CO2 emissions by almost 20 million tons.
The National Gateway will yield an estimated $22 in public benefits for every dollar of public money invested by: creating greater capacity for goods moving in and out of the Midwest, reducing transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours; reducing highway congestion and transportation emissions; and creating over 50,000 jobs. Construction on some National Gateway projects has already begun.
Federal funding will make up only about 30% of the investment required to make the National Gateway a reality. The sponsoring states are expected to contribute $189 million of the $842 million total, and CSX Corporation and its affiliates are contributing an additional $395 million.
The National Gateway is supported and endorsed by an unprecedented coalition of governors and regional officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and dozens of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups.
For more information about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
SNOW CANCELLATION NOTICE: Public Meetings for National Gateway Clearance Projects in Allegheny, Bedford, and Somerset Counties
Due to the weather conditions and forecast, the public meetings scheduled for National Gateway projects in Allegheny, Bedford and Somerset Counties have been cancelled. The meetings were to be held Tuesday, February 9 at the Quality Inn Conference Center in Somerset, Pennsylvania and Wednesday, February 10 at the University Club at Pitt in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These meetings will be rescheduled and announced shortly.
To learn more about specific National Gateway projects, visit updates.nationalgateway.org.
Media Contacts:
Bob Sullivan
CSX Transportation
1-877-835-5279
Robert_Sullivan@csx.com
Margaret Williams
APCO Worldwide
312-368-7532
mwilliams@apcoworldwide.com
New National Gateway Hub Showcases Environmental Commitment
Energy-Efficient Cranes, Optical Scanners Reduce Emissions Footprint
North Baltimore, Ohio January 27, 2009 Cutting-edge environmental technologies and green design will make the Northwest Ohio Terminal Facility, a new freight transit hub under construction in North Baltimore, Ohio, one of the most environmentally friendly and technologically advanced freight terminals in the country.
Upon its completion in 2011, the facility will be the cornerstone of the National Gateway, an $842 million, multi-state public-private partnership which will create a double stack rail corridor between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets.
The Northwest Ohio Terminal Facility will set a new standard for the American railroad industry, said Guenter Bischof, managing director, Hans Kuenz GmbH, supplier of ultra-efficient cranes for the terminal. Equipment choices and advanced technologies combine to increase this facilitys productivity and reduce its environment impact.
Ultra-efficient cranes installed by Hans Kuenz GmbH will reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency and significantly reduce emissions. When transferring cargo containers between trains and trucks, the cranes will use electric motors to reduce emissions and will store the energy from crane, trolley and hoist decelerations.
Use of optical cargo scanners at inbound and outbound gates will improve terminal efficiency and minimize truck idle time to reduce emissions. Scanners at both ends of the Northwest Ohio Terminal Facility will feed container information into the operations system to automatically provide a work order to the trucker. The terminal will be lit with high-pressure sodium bulbs, which reduce energy consumption and light pollution. The yard will also utilize environmentally friendly NARSTCO Steel Ties, which are made from recycled steel and are themselves 100% recyclable.
The Northwest Ohio Terminal Facility will exemplify a commitment to environmental stewardship and serve as a catalyst for future economic development opportunities in the surrounding regions, said Thomas R. Blaha, Executive Director of the local Wood County, Ohio, Economic Development Commission.
The National Gateway will support the movement of double-stacked intermodal containers on rail cars by raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminal facilities along existing rail routes. New terminals such as the Northwest Ohio Terminal Facility will expand intermodal services to connect more markets than ever before. When complete, the National Gateway will also improve service reliability and transit times by 24 to 48 hours between coastal ports.
For more information about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
National Gateway Addresses Need for Infrastructure Improvements
Rising Freight Volumes Require Immediate Investment
Washington, DC December 22, 2009 According to government forecasts, freight volumes in the United States will significantly increase by 2020. Unless major transportation infrastructure improvements are made, this could lead to reduced productivity resulting in job losses, higher prices for the goods we buy and reduced worldwide demand for the goods we sell. The National Gateway an $842 million multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative will help meet current infrastructure needs and prepare the nation for this projected growth by investing in surface transportation infrastructure improvements.
"The surface transportation system now in place doesn't address freight needs adequately, said Jean Godwin, executive vice president, American Association of Port Authorities. Changes are needed to decrease road congestion due to freight movement that will result in reduced fuel use, pollution and transportation costs. Transportation improvements in and around seaports and throughout the country that enhance freight mobility will positively impact America's immediate and long-term job growth, prosperity, the environment and livability."
The National Gateway will upgrade tracks, equipment and facilities to provide clearance for double stack intermodal trains. Double stack trains carry more cargo and are more efficient than single stack trains. The project increases freight rail capacity by allowing double stack trains to move freely between East Coast ports and Midwest markets.
"The National Gateway will vastly improve the flow of traffic between crucial Midwest manufacturing and consumption centers and East Coast population centers and international sea ports, said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure initiatives, CSX Transportation. This project allows shippers to deliver more freight on fewer trains, increasing efficiency while reducing rail and highway congestion."
To date, the project has received $395 million in funding commitments from freight transportation company CSX Corporation and its affiliates. States involved in the project are expected to fund $189 million, with an additional $258 million requested from the federal government.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
National Gateway Announces Completion of Carolina Corridor
Upgraded North Carolina Clearances Improve Flow of Freight
Wilmington, NC December 7, 2009 The National Gateway today announced the completion of double stack clearances between the Port of Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina. The new, double-stack cleared section of track will link into an improved freight rail corridor designed to enhance the flow of goods throughout the nation.
"We are pleased to partner with CSX Transportation and the State Ports Authority to provide double-stack intermodal capability for our retail markets, said North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. This is an important component of North Carolina's logistics plan, which will benefit regional businesses and the economy.
This newly double-stack cleared section of the network was funded through a partnership between CSX Transportation, the State of North Carolina, NCDOT and the North Carolina States Port Authority. Part of the National Gateway project, an $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative which will create a highly efficient double stack rail corridor between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets, the project will support the movement of double-stacked containers on rail cars by raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail corridors such as the Carolina Corridor.
When complete, the National Gateway will speed transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours, reduce highway congestion and transportation emissions, and create over 50,000 job opportunities.
"The Port of Wilmington is looking forward to having full connectivity to the National Gateway initiative for intermodal service. We provide quick turnaround for unit trains with enhanced on-dock rail including a new 5,300-foot interchange track and modern reach stackers that are ideally suited to handle containers between the port terminal and intermodal rail network," said Glenn Carlson, vice president of business and economic development, North Carolina State Ports Authority.
The National Gateway is endorsed by an unprecedented coalition of over 130 supporters, including governors and regional officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
National Gateway Wins Support of Major Environmental Groups
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Conservation Fund and Ohio Environmental Council Join Growing Coalition of Supporters
Washington, DC December 3, 2009 The National Gateway today announced that the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Conservation Fund and the Ohio Environmental Council have joined the over 100-member coalition of supporters. The endorsement of these leading environmental groups confirms the significant environmental benefits of the $850 million public-private-partnership, which seeks to create a highly efficient double-stack rail route between Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest
Support from environmental leaders like the Ohio Environmental Council show that the National Gateway is not only an investment in our transportation system, its an investment in our environment, said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Expanding the use of freight rail means a reduction in fuel consumption and less carbon emissions and that means long-term benefits for the state and region.
By facilitating the greater use of freight rail for the long-haul movement of goods, the National Gateway will save nearly 2 billion gallons of fuel and eliminate 20 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, it will decrease truck traffic on the nations highways by over 14 billion miles, reducing congestion and highway maintenance costs.
The National Gateway is an example of how a transportation solution can have positive impacts on environmental and energy goals, said Roy A. Hoagland, vice president for environmental protection and restoration, at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Freight rail projects like the National Gateway can play an important role within the transportation system to move goods more efficiently and in a manner that will improve our overall environment and quality of life.
The National Gateway improves the environment by allowing freight cargo to be double-stacked on trains. Double-stack clearances allow trains to carry nearly twice as much freight on the same number of trains. Already, trains can move a ton of freight more than 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making rail transportation three times more fuel-efficient than over-the-road alternatives. A recently released report from the Federal Railroad Administration confirms that double stack freight rail transportation is up to five times more efficient than motor carrier transportation.
Every ton of freight moved by rail instead of by truck means more energy savings, less greenhouse gases and other emissions, and more jobs and investment in Ohio and the Midwest, said Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council. The National Gateway is an investment that will help move Ohio and the nation in the right direction.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
National Gateway Creates Long-Term Environmental Benefits
Washington, DC November 30, 2009 The National Gateway, a multi-state public-private partnership seeking to create a state-of-the-art freight rail route between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets, is poised to create significant environmental benefits including lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.
By clearing existing rail routes for double-stack freight trains, the National Gateway will convert over 14 billion highway miles to rail and enable shippers to better utilize the environmental advantages of rail transportation, reducing CO2 emissions by almost 20 million tons and fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons.
"The National Gateway project will build upon our success over the past five years in converting our eastbound freight from Asia from a partial trucking to an all-rail network from the west coast port regions an effort that contributed to our winning EPA Smartway Awards in 2007 and again in 2009, said John Joseph, senior manager of international transportation for Limited Brands. We are excited about the increase in supply chain speed, contribution to our environmental stewardship program, and of course the greatly needed new jobs the National Gateway project will create in Ohio."
The National Gateway will invest over $840 million to increase tunnel clearances, raise bridges and develop new intermodal terminals along existing rail corridors to support the movement of double-stacked rail containers. These infrastructure investments will support the increased use of freight rail, the most environmentally friendly way to move goods on land. Trains can move a ton of freight more than 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making rail transportation three times more fuel-efficient than alternatives.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, all facilities built or expanded to support the National Gateway will exemplify a commitment to environmental stewardship and serve as a catalyst for future economic development opportunities in the surrounding regions. Modern, high-technology operating methods, such as electric crane systems, will be used where possible in order to ensure that each facility is safe and environmentally friendly.
To date, the project has received $393 million in funding commitments from freight transportation company CSX Corporation and its affiliates. Partner states are expected to fund $191 million, with an additional $258 million requested from the federal government. In addition to governors and other state and local officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups have pledged their support for the National Gateway.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
New DOT Fuel Efficiency Study Cites Double-Stack Rail Benefits
Washington, DC November 23, 2009 In a newly released report, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) finds that double stack freight rail transportation is up to five times more efficient than motor carrier transportation. The FRAs Comparative Evaluation of Rail and Truck Fuel Efficiency on Competitive Corridors underscores the advantages of projects such as the National Gateway.
The National Gateway is a public-private partnership seeking to create a state-of-the-art, double-stack cleared rail corridor between East Coast sea ports and Midwest distribution centers.
According to the FRA report, double-stack trains tend to be more fuel efficient than other types of trains. The study also cites increased efficiency, technology improvements and improved railcar designs (Federal Railroad Administration, 2009).
By converting over 14 billion highway miles to double-stacked rail cars, the National Gateway will enable shippers to better utilize the improved fuel efficiency and environmental benefits of rail transportation, reducing fuel consumption by nearly 2 billion gallons and CO2 emissions by almost 20 million tons.
The National Gateway will invest over $840 million in infrastructure projects which will support the increased use of freight rail, the most environmentally friendly way to move goods on land. Already, trains can move a ton of freight more than 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making rail transportation three times more fuel-efficient than alternatives.
The new FRA study shows a double stack rail-to-truck Fuel Efficiency Ratio range of 2.7 to 5.5, significantly higher than a 1991 study showing a range of 2.5 to 3.4. The results are based on data from eleven different origination-destination pairs, and also show that longer hauls generally provide greater fuel savings on double stack freight rail.
To date, the National Gateway has received $393 million in funding commitments from freight transportation company CSX Corporation and its affiliates and over $150 million in commitments from participating state governments (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina). Partner states are ultimately expected to fund $191 million, with an additional $258 million requested from the federal government. In addition to governors and other state and local officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups have pledged their support for the National Gateway.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Download the new FRA report at http://www.fra.dot.gov/Downloads/Comparative_Evaluation_Rail_Truck_Fuel_Efficiency.pdf.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177
Proposed National Gateway Projects Create Thousands of Job Opportunities
Washington, DC October 22, 2009 The National Gateway initiative will spur thousands of employment opportunities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, creating growth and building the nations economic competitiveness.
The National Gateway is an $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative which will create a more efficient freight rail route between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets. Planned improvements that will create job opportunities include raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail corridors to support the movement of double-stacked containers on rail cars.
The National Gateway will create more than 50,000 jobs, with almost 10,000 of those jobs created during the initial construction phase. One half of the jobs created will be located in 14 economically distressed areas. Examples of National Gateway projects that will benefit local economies include numerous clearance projects, expansion of the Charlotte intermodal terminal in North Carolina, and the development of a terminal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The National Gateway project is important for Americas competitiveness, said Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. This initiative helps the environment, it helps our economy, it helps us in so many different ways.
The project aims to increase port capacity and the nation's ability to distribute goods, making the United States more competitive in the global economy. For every dollar of public money invested in the National Gateway, the project will yield $22 in public benefits by significantly increasing freight capacity and reducing transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours. Overall, the National Gateway will save $3.5 billion in shipping and logistics costs.
To date, the project has received $395 million in funding commitments from freight transportation company CSX Corporation and its affiliates. States involved in the project are expected to fund $189 million, with an additional $258 million requested from the federal government.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
857-991-1045
National Gateway in the Spotlight as Public-Private Partnerships Gain Significance
Partnerships Align Public Interests with Private Funding to Strengthen America’s Transportation Infrastructure
Washington, DC — October 14, 2009 — More than 140 supporters from the public and private sectors in six states have joined together in endorsing the National Gateway, an unprecedented public-private partnership dedicated to revolutionizing the nation’s transportation system, preparing it for the widely predicted growth in global demand.
Recently honored as "Competitiveness Project of the Year" by the North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum, the National Gateway has emerged as a leading public-private partnership. The project will use intermodal transportation and double-stack trains to improve America's global market competitiveness, create jobs, reduce transportation-related emissions and alleviate congestion on roads and highways.
Public-private partnerships strategically align private funds with projects that deliver public benefits to support our nation's economic recovery and prepare us for continued population and economic growth. They also combine the intellectual resources of the public and private sectors to deliver more efficient services. According to Cambridge Systematic figures from 2009, every dollar of public money invested in the National Gateway will yield $16 in public benefits by significantly increasing freight capacity and reducing transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours.
“Public-private partnerships like the National Gateway will yield vast benefits to the Ohio economy, the environment and the taxpayer,” said John A. Lumpe, executive director of the Ohio Soybean Council. “This project will create a tremendous opportunity for agriculture in the State of Ohio by creating cost-effective transportation options enabling our soybeans and other agricultural products to reach new markets around the globe while increasing local and regional jobs.”
The benefits of the National Gateway extend well beyond Ohio. An $842 million, multi-state initiative, the National Gateway will create a more efficient freight rail route between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets. Planned improvements include raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new strategically-placed intermodal terminals along existing rail corridors to support the movement of double-stacked containers on rail cars.
In addition to governors and other state and local officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups have pledged their support for the National Gateway.
For a complete list of supporters, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
(857) 991-1045
National Gateway Announces Addition of More Than 50 New Supporters
Backing from federal and state officials, businesses and economic development organizations strengthens coalition
Washington, DC — October 7, 2009 — The National Gateway, an unprecedented public-private partnership dedicated to improving the nation’s freight capacity, today announced the addition of nearly 50 new supporters since June 1, 2009, bringing the total number of coalition supporters to more than 140.
The National Gateway is an $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative which will create a more efficient freight rail route between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets. Planned improvements include raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail corridors to support the movement of double-stacked containers on rail cars.
The coalition has the support of both public and private sector leaders, including governors and other state and local officials across six states. Additionally, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups have pledged their support for the National Gateway.
"Public-private partnerships like the National Gateway will yield vast benefits to the economy, the environment and the taxpayer," said Joel Haka, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations for CMA CGM (America) LLC. "This project will create a better transportation network by creating cost-effective transportation options allowing us to better serve our customers around the globe while creating jobs and protecting the environment."
The National Gateway was recently honored as “Competitiveness Project of the Year” by the North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum, a leading infrastructure identification and development group. In addition to improving America’s competiveness in global markets, the National Gateway will create jobs, reduce transportation-related emissions and alleviate congestion on roads and highways. According to Cambridge Systematic figures from 2009, every dollar of public money invested in the National Gateway will yield $16 in public benefits by significantly increasing freight capacity and reducing transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours.
To date, the project has received $395 million in funding commitments from freight transportation company CSX Corporation and its affiliates. States involved in the project are expected to fund $189 million, with an additional $258 million requested from the federal government.
The National Gateway coalition combines the strengths of the private and public sectors to efficiently and economically create safer, less congested roadways, improve the environment and promote economic growth. Supporters have led efforts to deliver an innovative program that will significantly benefit the millions of Americans whose lives are impacted by freight transportation every day.
For a complete list of supporters, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
(857) 991-1045
National Gateway Coalition Applies for US DOT Discretionary Funds to Complete Project
Initiative will improve efficiency and expand capacity on the nation’s freight and passenger rail network
Washington, D.C. — September 16, 2009 — Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, on behalf of the Governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, yesterday applied for $258 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant funds for completion of the National Gateway initiative, an unprecedented public-private investment in fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly freight rail.
The National Gateway will create a more efficient freight rail route linking Mid-Atlantic ports with Midwestern markets, improving the flow of rail traffic between these regions by increasing the use of double-stack trains. This initiative will upgrade tracks, equipment and facilities, and provide improved clearances.
The National Gateway is an $842 million public-private partnership. The $258 million requested from the TIGER program complements an expected $189 million from the five states applying for TIGER funds, and $395 million of private money committed by CSX Corporation, one of the nation’s leading transportation companies whose businesses include a freight railroad operating in 23 states and the District of Columbia in the Eastern United States.TThe project is expected to yield more than $6 in public benefits for every $1 spent, and no additional public funding will be required to maintain this infrastructure since it is privately owned and maintained by CSX.
The initiative has the support of an unprecedented coalition that includes governors and other state and local officials across multiple states, nearly three dozen members of Congress, port authorities, business organizations and environmental groups. With its long-term financial savings, improvements in economic competitiveness, and public benefits spread across several states, the National Gateway is uniquely qualified to receive TIGER funds intended to stimulate the economy, promote energy independence and modernize the nation’s infrastructure.
The TIGER grant program is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), designed to help modernize the nation’s infrastructure by setting aside discretionary funds that the U.S. Department of Transportation will make available for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure projects.
With the support of TIGER funding, the National Gateway will:
- Create more than 50,000 jobs, including more than 25,000 jobs in 14 economically distressed areas;
- Replace older bridges, avoiding nearly $700 million in maintenance costs;
- Improve safety and highway congestion by reducing the number of miles trucks travel by more than 14.3 billion miles through a partnership with the trucking industry;
- Save $3.5 billion in shipper and logistics costs by significantly increasing freight capacity and reducing transit times between East and West Coast ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and U.S. dependence on foreign oil by saving nearly two billion gallons of fuel, eliminating 20 million tons of carbon emissions; and
- Help states meet federal clean air standards.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
CSX Transportation
Bob Sullivan
1-877-835-5279
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
1-857-991-1045
Ohio Governor Strickland, Congressman Latta, and CSX Chairman Ward Break Ground for Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal
Facility will provide environmentally friendly freight service and create jobs
North Baltimore, OH — August 14, 2009 — Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Congressman Bob Latta and CSX Chairman, President and CEO Michael Ward today broke ground for a new intermodal terminal in North Baltimore, Ohio, which will support the efficient and environmentally beneficial movement of containers between rail and truck.
The new Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal will employ more than 200 people when fully operational in 2011 with 400 more jobs to be created during the construction phase. Over the next 10 years, more than 2,600 direct and indirect jobs will be created as a result of the facility. The terminal will serve as the distribution hub for anything that can be bought at a retailer — from household electronic equipment to clothing. The facility is the cornerstone of the National Gateway, a $840 million, multi-state infrastructure initiative aimed at creating an efficient and environmentally friendly freight link between the Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest.
“This is a great opportunity for northwest Ohio to play a major role in the nation’s vital freight transportation network, while creating jobs and boosting the economy of the region,” said Strickland. “This terminal will reinforce our state’s position as one of our nation’s leaders in transportation and logistics.”
“This project represents real stimulus with lasting economic benefits,” said Latta. “We believe it is a model for public-private cooperation and an example of how infrastructure expansion and job creation go hand-in-hand.”
“Our nation is becoming increasingly aware of the economic and environmental benefits that railroads offer,” said Ward. “The Northwest Ohio Terminal, as part of the National Gateway, will greatly expand our ability to deliver those benefits both regionally and nationally.”
The National Gateway is a public-private partnership that includes CSX and its affiliates, large and small business interests, logistics companies, environmental advocates, federal, state and local governments and economic development agencies. Over a 30-year period, the initiative will lower CO2 emissions by over 12 million tons, save businesses over $3.5 billion in shipping costs, reduce fuel consumption by nearly 1 billion gallons, and reduce congestion on the highways.
In Ohio, the National Gateway program anticipates $30 million in federal funding, $30 million in state funding, and a $175 million investment by CSX and its affiliates. The total investment will create nearly $700 million in public benefits — more than $10 in benefits for every $1 of public money invested.
Public funding will be used primarily to raise the clearances under bridges and tunnels, enabling the movement of double-stack railcars. These rail cars allow each train to carry twice the load — significantly reducing fuel use, air pollution, carbon emissions, and highway congestion. Private funding from CSX and its affiliates will be primarily dedicated to building state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly terminals, like the one to be built here in Northwest Ohio.
The Northwest Ohio Terminal will be built and operated by Evansville Western Railway Inc. of Paducah, Ky., an affiliate of CSX.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company’s transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company’s web site, www.csx.com.
Contact:
CSX
Gary T. Sease
1-877-835-5279
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
1-857-991-1045
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell Supports National Gateway
Public-Private Partnership Would Create Jobs, Reduce Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions, and Alleviate Highway Congestion
Chambersburg PA. — December 5, 2008 — At a National Gateway coalition event hosted by CSX Chairman and CEO Michael Ward, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced his support for the National Gateway’s goal of creating a state-of-the-art, double-stack transportation corridor connecting manufacturing centers in the Midwest with deepwater ports on the East Coast.
The event was held at a CSX Intermodal Terminal in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, that serves as a key transportation link connecting shippers with both truck and rail service.
"This terminal is a prime example of the kind of economic growth that comes from investing in our infrastructure," said Governor Rendell. "I will do my part as Governor, but states cannot address these needs alone. I look forward to a national partnership so we can design and implement strategies for smarter, environmentally friendly, more cost effective infrastructure investment such as through groundbreaking public-private partnerships."
The National Gateway is a public-private partnership that includes CSX, large and small business interests, logistics companies, state and local governments, and economic development agencies.
"The challenge of meeting our nation’s surface transportation needs is too big for any single industry — never mind any single company — to accomplish independently," said Michael Ward, chief executive officer for CSX. "The partnership you see here today exemplifies the future of our nation’s transportation infrastructure."
A 2007 study commissioned by the Association of American Railroads estimated that investments of $148 billion will be required over the next 27 years to meet the projected growth in demand for rail freight transportation.
The National Gateway plan envisions another new intermodal terminal in the greater Pittsburgh area in the future.
In addition to stimulating Pennsylvania’s economy, overall, the National Gateway will lower CO2 emissions by over 4 million tons, save businesses over $2 billion in shipping costs, reduce fuel consumption by nearly 500 million gallons, and reduce congestion on the highways by moving 2 million intermodal containers by rail, rather than over-the-road.
CSX Corporation, a National Gateway sponsor based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company's web site, www.csx.com.
CSX Announces National Gateway to Improve Flow of Freight
Program Launched at Ohio Offices of Pacer International, a CSX Customer
Dublin, Ohio - May 1, 2008 - CSX Corporation today launched the National Gateway, a $700 million public-private infrastructure initiative to create a highly efficient freight transportation link between the Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest.
When completed, the National Gateway would provide greater capacity for product shipments in and out of the Midwest, reduce truck traffic on already crowded highways, and create thousands of jobs that directly or indirectly support the National Gateway.
CSX has already committed $300 million to the National Gateway, and will work with several states and the federal government to secure additional funding.
The National Gateway incorporates two primary parts. First, CSX would build or expand several high-capacity, job-producing intermodal terminals where product shipments are exchanged between trucks and trains. At the same time, CSX would work together with state and federal government agencies to create double-stack clearances beneath public overpasses along the railroad. Double-stack clearances allow rail carriers to stack intermodal containers atop each other, enabling each train to carry about twice as many cargo boxes. Currently many overpasses only accommodate single-stack trains.
"More and more, the nation is becoming aware of the tremendous safety, economic and environmental benefits that railroads create. Our trains can move a ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel, and one train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CSX. "The National Gateway leverages those benefits to the fullest by combining the resources and expertise of the public and private sectors."
The National Gateway was launched at the offices of Pacer International, a CSX customer, in Dublin, Ohio with Governor Ted Strickland. The governor has pledged to work with state and federal officials to support the initiative, which calls for two new intermodal terminals in Wood County and Columbus at a cost of $130 million to CSX. The terminals will ultimately spur the development of related businesses and thousands of jobs to support them.
"In Ohio, this initiative helps solidify our state's position as a transportation gateway for the country," said the Governor. "This is a major competitive advantage that can greatly benefit the citizens of Ohio, and the state of Ohio is committed to doing its part to help build this sort of needed infrastructure. In doing so, we'll also be setting an example for other states around the nation."
"We are delighted that CSX and Governor Strickland are taking these important steps to ensure the future viability of our transportation system," said Michael E. Uremovich, Chairman and CEO, Pacer International.
The National Gateway will enhance three existing rail corridors that run through Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Those corridors include:
- The I-70/I-76 Corridor between Washington, D.C. and northwest Ohio via Pittsburgh;
- The I-95 Corridor between North Carolina and Baltimore via Washington, D.C.; and
- The Carolina Corridor between Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The U.S. Department of Transportation forecasts that by 2020, overall freight tonnage hauled in the United States will have grown by 70% from 1998 levels. The National Gateway infrastructure initiative is designed to address the ever-increasing demands placed on the nation's capacity strained freight network.
A study of the National Gateway project by Cambridge Systematics, a nationally recognized transportation research firm based in Cambridge, MA found that every $1 of public money invested in rail infrastructure improvements will lead to $8 in public benefits. The study noted that by improving the flow of freight and shifting freight transportation from the highway to the railway, the initiative will improve safety, relieve congestion, benefit the environment and reduce highway maintenance costs. For more information, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company's web site, www.csx.com.
ABOUT PACER INTERNATIONAL (www.pacer-international.com) Pacer International, a leading asset-light North American third-party logistics and freight transportation provider, through its intermodal and logistics operating segments, offers a broad array of services to facilitate the movement of freight from origin to destination. The intermodal segment offers wholesale services provided by Pacer Stacktrain (cost-efficient, two-tiered rail transportation for containerized shipments) and Pacer Cartage (local trucking), as well as retail services through its Rail Brokerage group (intermodal marketing). The logistics segment provides retail truck brokerage, trucking, warehousing and distribution, international freight forwarding, and supply-chain management services. Pacer International is headquartered in Concord, California. Its intermodal and logistics operating segments are headquartered in Concord, California, and in Dublin, Ohio, respectively.






