Monticello Live

The Intermodal Facility project represents a crucial step in the process of transforming the site owned by Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority (SEARIF) from an undeveloped tract of land into a functioning intermodal transportation site and industrial park. It will also provide a venue for manufacturing operations, and a hub for road and rail transportation, giving a much-needed and long-awaited boost to the economy and providing jobs for southeast Arkansas region.

This project consists of construction of a new railroad spur line and construction of water and sewer utility services to a prospective industrial manufacturing site. The railroad spur line will be approximately 1500 feet in length, plus a turnout at each end. 

The proposed railroad spur line, water and sewer services, and access road can all be completed within the 2008 construction season. Construction plans and specifications are complete, and can be released for bidding within just days of notice of funding. With bids being received in May and June, construction can be completed in ideal construction weather in June – October of this year.

With the construction of the proposed railroad siding and access road, SEARIF will be ready to provide sites for prospective tenants to develop and open for business. The most immediate tenants will be using the Bulk Products Handling area, which is located at the south end of the proposed access road and which will make use of the new railroad frontage along the new railroad siding. SEARIF has received credible inquiries from producers of stone products, wood chips and other forestry products, and liquid fuels and petroleum products. These operations can be developed and operational quickly once highway and railroad access become available. It is estimated that these operations at full capacity, will provide up to thirty new jobs for the economy. 

In addition to the immediate availability of the Bulk Products Handling area resulting from construction of this project, the proposed access road and utility extensions will open access to and availability of sites for industrial and manufacturing development within the Facility. 

A major Monticello industry has expressed interested in locating their operations to the Intermodal Facility, as well.  MonticelloLive.com will post this information, based on public confirmation.

This article was based primarily on a “Project Description” release, by Vince Hotho, of Garver Engineering, the firm hired to represent the interests of the Intermoday Authority.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 24th, 2008 at 5:05 am and is filed under Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.