In a conversation held this morning (December 4, 2008) Senator J. D. Alexander has learned from Secretary Thomas G. Pelham that he will recommend Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval of the Winter Haven inter-modal rail terminal planned by Evansville Western Railroad (EWR). EWR is a subsidiary of CSX Transportation. The 318 acre project is a state-of-the art facility designed to facilitate transfer of containerized consumer goods via rail and truck.
The Development of Regional Impact (DRI) was approved by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council in August and the City of Winter Haven gave final approval for the project development order on October 29. The plans were then forwarded to the DCA for review.
Similar facilities are in place or proposed across the country to revolutionize the efficient transportation and distribution of consumer goods. The CSX Winter Haven project has the potential to become a significant economic development engine for the Central Florida area.
The potential projections for the rail terminal and related business park potential could eventually bring 8,000 new jobs to the area.
DCA approval clears the way for CSX to finalize plans to construct the inter-modal terminal. Construction on the site could begin in early 2009.
The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed the project in December of 2007.
Update as of 12:21 p.m.: The News Chief has reported that Secretary Pelham has signed off on the development order and agreement for the truck/rail transfer center.
Photo: CSX Transportation-all rights reserved
Could not have better news for Christmas than the DCA approval of this economic engine for Winter Haven,East Polk and Lakeland. Thanks for the support of the Winter Haven Chamber,East Polk 100 and many local and statewide offcials too numerous to mention.
This is indeed an exciting time for Winter Haven and the surrounding area. Understanding that there are still folks out there who do not feel this is a good move for Polk County, it’s hard to argue that any increase in jobs is a bad thing.
Congratulations to the City of WH and the WH Chamber of Commerce on getting this done. Good jobs, clean commerce is what it is all about.
Congrats to all who have assisted in bringing this project to the goal line!
Gov. Christ’s announcement that he is going to throw his weight behind commuter rail in the upcoming legislative session coupled with DCA’s support of Winter Haven’s DRI……well, things are looking up.
Once again, job well done!