South Louisiana port to build railroad for Dow

The Port of South Louisiana will invest $9.5 million to build a railroad for Dow St. Charles that will be capable of handling 250 rail cars, port officials announced yesterday.

The port will provide property and the railroad, which Dow will lease, according to a press release.

The project is in the engineering phase, said Port Executive Director Paul Aucoin.

"The Port of South Louisiana has been working with Dow St. Charles for several years to bring this project into fruition," Aucoin said. "We are grateful to have the available land adjacent to Dow's operations in St. Charles Parish and we are excited at the opportunity to help Dow improve its rail car handling/storage capabilities."

Located on the Mississippi River, the port includes 33 crude oil pipelines and 159 natural pipelines.