CSX cites Illinois industrial park as 'Select Site'

CSX Corp. yesterday announced that the Tuscola Industrial Rail Park in Tuscola, Ill., has been designated the Class I's 11th "CSX Select Site."

Introduced last year, the Select Site program recognizes industrial locations along the railroad's network that progress rapidly due to resolved land-use issues or are ready for development following a comprehensive due diligence process.

To receive a Select Site designation, the location must meet "rigorous" criteria, including infrastructure and utility availability, environmental reviews, appropriate zoning, air quality permitting, rail serviceability, and proximity to highways or interstates, CSX officials said in a press release.

"This [Tuscola] site is competitive and delivers on our program objectives to provide industrial companies with easier development decisions, reduced risk and faster speed to market," said Clark Robertson, CSX's assistant vice president of regional development.

CSX works with partner The Austin Co. to screen candidate sites and assist communities with the application and certification process. The Class I has designated 10 other locations across its 23-state service territory as Select Sites.