2025 MOW Spending Report: Passenger-rail programs
Gardner steps down as Amtrak CEO
Guest comment: Oliver Wyman’s David Hunt
Women of Influence in Rail eBook
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
railPrime
RAIL EMPLOYMENT & NOTICES
Rail News Home
Intermodal
Rail News: Intermodal
8/24/2011
Rail News: Intermodal
Broward County OKs container transfer facility pact with Florida East Coast
advertisement
Yesterday, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) to construct and operate an intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) on a 42.5-acre site at Port Everglades.
The MOU calls for a 30-year agreement between the railroad and Broward County, with two 10-year renewal options. The county will contribute the land and participate in joint marketing efforts for the ICTF. FEC now will advance plans to secure an additional $30 million Florida Infrastructure Bank loan for the $72.8 million project, for which the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will provide grants totaling $18 million. FEC equity will cover the remainder, according to the railroad.
The ICTF will facilitate the transfer of containerized cargo at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-area port onto the railroad’s line via a connecting rail spur. Containers currently are handled on a 14-acre site owned by the FEC.
“A combined near-dock facility at the port should result in competitive transfer and shipping fees for port clients, thus increasing the port's competitive advantage compared to other ports,” county officials said in a prepared statement. “Positive environmental benefits are also envisioned by the reduction of truck traffic on local roadways, [and] by relocating from the smaller facility on Andrews Avenue, Route 84 highway congestion will also be reduced.”
In July, FDOT broke ground for the $42 million Eller Drive Overpass, the “critical first step” in moving the ICTF forward by facilitating the construction of an at-grade rail connection directly into the port’s Southport area, county and FEC officials said.
The MOU calls for a 30-year agreement between the railroad and Broward County, with two 10-year renewal options. The county will contribute the land and participate in joint marketing efforts for the ICTF. FEC now will advance plans to secure an additional $30 million Florida Infrastructure Bank loan for the $72.8 million project, for which the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will provide grants totaling $18 million. FEC equity will cover the remainder, according to the railroad.
The ICTF will facilitate the transfer of containerized cargo at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-area port onto the railroad’s line via a connecting rail spur. Containers currently are handled on a 14-acre site owned by the FEC.
“A combined near-dock facility at the port should result in competitive transfer and shipping fees for port clients, thus increasing the port's competitive advantage compared to other ports,” county officials said in a prepared statement. “Positive environmental benefits are also envisioned by the reduction of truck traffic on local roadways, [and] by relocating from the smaller facility on Andrews Avenue, Route 84 highway congestion will also be reduced.”
In July, FDOT broke ground for the $42 million Eller Drive Overpass, the “critical first step” in moving the ICTF forward by facilitating the construction of an at-grade rail connection directly into the port’s Southport area, county and FEC officials said.
