from staff
Jacksonville-based CSX Transportation reported that customers committed to 130 new or expanded facilities along its rail lines in 2010 which upon completion could create up to 5,200 jobs.
CSXT said the facilities are located in 18 states, including Florida, and include markets such as energy, consumer goods and manufacturing. They represent more than $3.6 billion in customer investments, and ultimately will contribute $216 million in annual revenue to CSXT, said Clark Robertson, assistant vice president of regional development.
The company said the facilities will be built on both CSXT lines and on some of the more than 240 short lines and regional railroads that connect to CSXT.
CSXT said it offers pre-certified “super sites” to businesses seeking locations for expansions or startups, as well as track design and logistics expertise.
“CSXT is playing an important role in our nation’s economic recovery, providing the critical link to connect producers, distributors and consumers,” said Robertson. “Just as important, we’re helping to stimulate community investment and jobs.”
In addition, the company said 98 customers who had committed to new or increased rail traffic in 2010 and prior years began moving goods and commodities that at full production will result in more than $168 million in revenue.
CSXT’s market reach includes connections to more than 70 ocean, lake and river ports. Trains are capable of moving a ton of freight about 500 miles on a gallon of fuel.
CSX Transportation Inc. is a principal operating company of Jacksonville-based CSX Corp. CSX provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company’s transportation network spans 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia.
CSX Transportation said that it supported significant economic development across its network. Among the states it serves, it said its customers in Florida created 126 new jobs and almost $33 million in investment.