Life along Decatur's waterfront is about to get a little more lively.

The Alabama Ports Authority announced Tuesday that River City will be the home of the agency's third intermodal container shipping facility.

The facility is affiliated with CSX Transportation and will complete the rail connection from the Port of Mobile intermodal facility to customers in the central and northern parts of the state.

The port will redevelop a portion of the CSX facility to better serve customers in northern Alabama.

“We are pleased to announce the location of Alabama's second inland rail facility and are committed to developing the region's logistics infrastructure,” said John Driscoll, director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. We will further strengthen our efforts.” “This expansion not only demonstrates our confidence in the local economy, but also reflects our continued efforts to meet the evolving needs of our customers while contributing to the growth of the communities we serve. I am.”

The North Alabama ICTF is the next step in the Port Authority's inland rail expansion and follows the continued success of its first inland rail partnership with CSX in Montgomery. More than $2.28 billion in private investment in the region has been announced since the Montgomery Intermodal Project began in 2022.

“CSX is proud to participate in a strategic collaboration with the Alabama Port Authority in establishing the North Alabama ICTF in Decatur. This project will foster regional growth, connect markets, and drive economic development. It demonstrates our commitment to accelerate,” said Maryclaire Kenney, Vice President, CSX Intermodal & Auto. “The strategic location of this facility will increase multimodal flexibility across the state, creating sustainable and dynamic rail-to-truck transportation solutions for our customers.

“The North Alabama ICTF is a testament to CSX’s focus on providing innovative, value-added solutions to our partners and stakeholders.”

Decatur's announcement came on the heels of last week's news that the Port Authority had nearly $100 billion in funds. Statewide economic impact In a single calendar year. Furthermore, this port has recently forbes It is the second fastest growing port of entry into the United States.

The new facility is expected to bring a variety of benefits to the area. The facility will ease truck traffic on interstates and freeways, in addition to creating job opportunities, promoting economic development, and revitalizing the entire transportation network in north Alabama. A single intermodal train can take up to 250 trucks off the road, moving cargo closer to its final destination.

“The partnership between the Alabama Ports Authority and CSX Transportation to establish this facility in Decatur not only recognizes our accomplishments, but also marks a significant step forward in shaping the trajectory of Decatur's economic impact across the state. ,” said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. “The creation of the North Alabama ICTF brings tremendous economic potential to Decatur and the entire North Alabama region, and I am excited to see the North Alabama ICTF project come to fruition in Decatur.

“This is a landmark achievement in strengthening the economic vitality of our city.”

The port currently has more than $1 billion in capital projects underway across the state. The Port Authority plans to nearly double its cargo handling capacity once the ongoing expansion work at the container terminal is completed.

In addition to the terminal expansion and port deepening and expansion projects, the Alabama Ports Authority plans to develop a logistics facility in Mobile and open an inland intermodal facility in Montgomery, serviced by CSX. These projects are expected to begin within the next two years and will provide new benefits and opportunities for shippers.

Other investment plans include construction of an interterminal link bridge to create rail access on the dock at the container terminal, modernization of the general cargo pier, and development of an inland intermodal facility in northern Alabama.

“This facility not only strengthens connectivity within the region, but also underscores Decatur's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth,” said Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner. “We look forward to this project playing a vital role in elevating Decatur's status as a major player in the Southeast's economic landscape, and bringing further opportunity and prosperity to our community and beyond.” Masu.”

These projects are primarily funded by federal appropriations and grants supported by former Sen. Richard Shelby. In addition to federal funding, the Alabama Legislature has allocated $20 million in 2023 to modernize the port's McDuffie coal terminal.

Beyond these public funding sources, the port reinvests all revenue, excluding operating costs, into facility improvements and expansions.

The Port of Mobile provides access to an international airport and two interstates: north-south I-65 and east/west I-10. This intermodal facility provides access to five Class I railroads and four short-line railroads. From Mobile, the container arrives in Chicago in three days.

The Alabama Ports Authority serves all 67 counties and oversees the deepwater public port facility at the Port of Mobile. In addition to interstate, air, and rail, the Port Authority's container, general cargo, and bulk facilities have ready access to approximately 15,000 miles of inland waterways.

Once the channel deepening and widening project is complete, the Port of Mobile will become the deepest container terminal in the Gulf of Mexico.