OmniTRAX, development authority to launch industrial hub near Savannah port

OmniTRAX Inc. and the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) have created a public-private partnership to develop the Savannah Gateway Industrial hub near the Port of Savannah, the short-line holding company announced late last week.

Located about 12 miles from the port, the hub will be served by CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway, OmniTRAX officials said in a press release.

"The Savannah market is growing rapidly, supported by the fourth busiest port in the nation. This is a perfect opportunity for OmniTRAX to supply the capabilities and experience gained at our other industrial development sites to create a world-class business park," said OmniTRAX Chief Executive Officer Kevin Shuba.

The facility is expected to attract manufacturers, processors, distributors and other businesses. Under the arrangement — which is undergoing due diligence by both parties — ECIDA is contributing a 2,700-acre tract to the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub. OmniTRAX will provide the capital for the infrastructure, which will include a rail system to connect the tenants to the Class I operators, development expertise and marketing services, officials said.

OmniTRAX has drafted a tentative master plan for the park that will allow several development phases and will ultimately provide more than 1,800 acres of industrial property, including a single user mega site.