JAXPORT Awarded $6 Million Grant For Blount Island Rail Improvements
October 12, 2009
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $6 million Economic Development Administration grant to JAXPORT to help improve the Blount Island Marine Terminal railroad system. The grant will be used to rebuild existing track and rail ties, allowing JAXPORT to enhance its global competitiveness and continue to create and retain private sector jobs.
This award is the result of a grant proposal submitted by the port earlier this year in response to a competitive funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The award is not part of any federal stimulus program.
The 14-mile long single-track Blount Island rail system is owned by JAXPORT. CSX Transportation (CSX) provides cargo movement by rail to and from the terminal for JAXPORT tenants, as well as for the U.S. Marine Corps command unit situated on Blount Island. More than 30 percent of all Blount Island cargo moves by rail, with the remainder moving by truck.
The Blount Island rail system is more than 40 years old and the grant project calls for the replacement of those portions of the existing track that have outlived their usefulness.
Other grant facts:
JAXPORT will contribute $1.7 million in matching funds to the project
More than 19 thousand linear feet (3.5 miles) of new rail will be laid down
More than 12 thousand timber ties will be replaced
15 new turnouts will be built
The new portions of rail line will follow the same footprint as the existing line
At 754 acres, Blount Island is JAXPORTs largest marine terminal
Approximately 80 percent of all JAXPORT container cargo moves through Blount Island
JAXPORT moved nearly 8 and a half million tons of cargo in 2008
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