Alabama manufacturing property a 'Select Site,' CSX says

CSX Transportation has designated a Wasden Road/Interstate 65 industrial location in Montgomery, Ala., as the 13th location in the Class I's Select Site program.

Introduced in 2012, the program designates properties and manufacturing facilities along CSX's network as Select Sites if they can be developed quickly since standard land use issues and comprehensive due diligence items have been addressed. The railroad partnered with The Austin Co. to screen candidate sites and assist communities with the program's application and certification process.

"We are excited to add this 415-acre, manufacturing-zoned property [in Alabama] to our Select Site program," said Clark Robertson, CSX's assistant vice president of regional development, in a press release. "Its strategic location near I-65 in an area of strong industrial demand, along with superior infrastructure, make this a compelling option for manufacturing firms looking to locate a facility in Alabama, and more specifically in the Montgomery area."

To receive a Select Site designation, a manufacturing facility must meet certain criteria, including infrastructure and utility availability, environmental reviews, appropriate zoning and entitlement, air quality permitting, rail serviceability and proximity to highways or interstates. Once certified, the sites are featured on a web portal that includes press releases, promotional materials and direct marketing to site selection professionals.

Two companies have recently announced plans to place new facilities at separate Select Sites, with several more in the final stages, CSX officials said.