JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 6, 2014) – CSX Corporation (CSX) today announced plans for its subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc., to build a new rail inspection yard in Hopkinsville-Christian County, Kentucky. The new facility will support hundreds of local construction and trade jobs while being built and will initially provide more than 50 on-site jobs servicing the growing freight rail corridor that stretches from the Southeast to the Midwest.
“More efficient rail service to Kentucky customers means a more vibrant economy and more opportunities for business expansion throughout the state,” said David A. Hall, resident vice president, state relations CSX.
The proposed facility will stage trains for inspection and fueling, primarily supporting coal unit trains servicing local Kentucky mines. The facility will expand the capacity and efficiency of the network, allowing CSX to serve the increased production levels of customers in Kentucky while also providing the infrastructure to support the expected ongoing growth of commodities along the entire corridor spanning Evansville, Indiana, Birmingham and Chattanooga.
“We are excited about CSX’s investment in Christian County as it will support our region’s growing economy,” said Christian County Judge Executive Steve Tribble.
Hopkinsville Mayor Dan Kemp agreed adding, “I am extremely pleased to see the continued growth of our local employment base with the addition of this important rail infrastructure and the high quality jobs it brings to our community.”
The CSX facility will initially create 50 to 70 jobs, with the potential to add more jobs as traffic volumes continue to grow. Hundreds of local construction and trade jobs will also be supported during construction.
“CSX’s project will also allow businesses to quickly and efficiently transport products to regional markets and beyond,” said Pembroke Mayor Paulette Stewart.
Current yard development plans call for a multi-phase expansion that aligns with growing traffic levels. CSX expects to complete construction by 2015 to meet the increased demand. As plans for the yard are developed, CSX will work with the community to ensure the facility considers the needs of the community and local economy as well as CSX customers.
CSX already has a longstanding presence in Kentucky. It employs more than 2,400 people in the state and invested more than $98 million in its Kentucky network last year.
source: http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/media/press-releases/
Submitted by Steve Miller