Document text
Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 22, 2005 Freight node could stimulate rail The Port of Portland is looking in Jackson County for a place to build a transfer station close to rail and Interstate 5 By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune The Port of Portland might open a freight transfer station in Jackson County that would help stimulate the growth of rail traffic. Pat Egan, port state affairs manager, said his company is looking for a 10- to 20-acre site that has good access to Interstate 5 and is adjacent to the railroad tracks. Egan went on a "windshield tour" of possible sites for the freight node, including White City, Medford and around Tolo Road north of Central Point. He also presented the idea to the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County Wednesday. "We’re at a preliminary stage," he said. The Port of Portland operates the Portland International Airport and four marine terminals, transferring international and domestic freight by sea, air and ground. Advertisement It is one of two state-sponsored ports, the other being Coos Bay. Bill Thorndike, a local businessman and member of the Port of Portland Commission, said rail could be part of the answer to moving freight efficiently around Oregon and to other areas. As part of the Connect Oregon initiative to improve all forms of transportation, his commission is "trying to improve our policy around the movement of freight," he said. Thorndike said the commission has met with the Oregon Rail Users League to look at ways to improve rail connections, potentially adding more runs in and out of the Medford area each day. Other than the Port of Portland’s facilities, there are very few facilities in the state that unload and load large containers onto rail cars, Thorndike said. Because Medford is centrally located between California and the Pacific Northwest, Thorndike said some freight traffic would move south or north to take advantage of savings in transportation costs. Egan said the port looks at this area as a vital link in moving freight smoothly and efficiently. Referring to transportation logistics, he said, "Medford is right up there next to Portland." The rapid growth in this region and the 20 million tons of freight flowing in and out of the Rogue Valley have increased its importance, he said. Rail would play a major role in the freight connection here, he said, transporting heavy goods such as aggregate and lumber. Specifics about the proposed freight station are still sketchy, he said, but it probably would include a terminal and the ability to load onto trains, store products for customers and break down or hook up triple trailer rigs. Egan said he didn’t know how much it would cost to build the freight station or how many would be employed there. If a freight station were built, he said it would stimulate the growth of other businesses. "Any kind of a transportation service facility becomes a magnet for other development," he said. Mike Burrill Sr., who is a member of local and statewide transportation boards, said he first approached the Port of Portland about this idea about eight years ago. "They didn’t think we were there yet, and they didn’t get it," he said. "Now they get it." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail Freight node could stimulate rail ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s