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Yesterday, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners authorized Port Everglades staff to negotiate a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) to develop an intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-area port.

A Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan, which was approved by the board in March, includes the development of a near-dock ICTF in the port’s Southport area via a public/private partnership. The port was approached by FEC to partner with the county to develop the facility. The MOU is the first step towards finalizing a broader agreement for construction and operation of the ICTF.

A combined near-dock facility at the port would foster competitive transfer and shipping fees for port clients, helping to increase the port's competitive advantage, Port Everglades officials said in a prepared statement. In addition, by relocating a smaller intermodal facility on Andrews Avenue, Route 84 highway congestion will be reduced, they said. The port is located within two miles of FEC’s hub.

“The ICTF will ensure South Florida is a hub for international trade for future generations," said FEC President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hertwig.

In July, the Florida Department of Transportation plans to break ground for an Eller Drive overpass, which is a critical first step in moving the ICTF forward by allowing for an at-grade rail connection directly into Southport, port officials said.