03-10-2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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U.S. House Allocates $21.5 Million for Rickenbacker Intermodal Facility

COLUMBUS - At a time when Ohio's economy is searching for a boost, Central Ohio Members of the U.S. Congress, in particular Congressman Dave Hobson (R-Springfield), Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington), and Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Columbus), have worked to secure $21.5 million for the Rickenbacker intermodal project which is expected to create 20,000 jobs over the next 30 years.

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a multi-year bill authorizing federal transportation spending which includes a $21.5 million allocation for the Rickenbacker intermodal project. This project has been deemed a local economic development priority by leaders throughout Central Ohio. The Transportation Bill now proceeds to the U.S. Senate for consideration. An intermodal facility accommodates the transfer of truck trailers and shipping containers between highways and railroads. Intermodal takes advantage of the economic and environmental efficiencies of trains for long-haul movement and the speed and flexibility of trucks to reach more targeted locations. The area’s existing intermodal facilities are utilized to their fullest extent and business is being turned away. The new intermodal facility at Rickenbacker will provide increased capacity and improved levels of service, thereby allowing Central Ohio to regain and expand shipping and economic opportunities.

"We believe the project will stimulate the development of many businesses associated with advanced logistics and spur the regional economy," explained Elaine Roberts, A.A.E., President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. "The dedicated team approach of the entire Columbus-area Congressional delegation was critical in securing this significant federal funding. The success of Rep. Dave Hobson, Rep. Deborah Pryce, and Rep. Pat Tiberi is a testament to their leadership and dedication to Central Ohio."

The Rickenbacker intermodal project is a private-public partnership with Norfolk Southern Railroad, which will make a $25 million investment. The facility will be built on 300 acres south of Rickenbacker International Airport and the Airport Authority will develop another 1,000 acres in association with this project.

An independent study concluded an intermodal facility at Rickenbacker can be expected to result in the following:

Benefits after the first 10 years: -$660 million in transportation benefits to shippers. -A reduction of 49 million truck miles in Ohio. -Significant reduction in emissions.

Benefits realized over the next 30 years: -9,500 direct jobs. -10,900 indirect jobs. -$15.1 billion economic impact. -$800+ million in direct local, state and school district tax revenues.

Rickenbacker already boasts an international cargo airport and Foreign-Trade Zone operated by the Airport Authority. The area currently encompasses 13 industrial parks with more than 100 companies and over 23 million square feet of development with land available for substantial growth. Already featuring international airfreight, e-commerce fulfillment, freight forwarding and warehousing services, Rickenbacker’s unparalleled geographic location, facilities and expertise give companies exceptional competitive advantages for distribution to the global marketplace. An intermodal facility will further Rickenbacker’s reputation as an advanced logistics hub.

The Columbus Chamber has identified advanced logistics as one of the three pillars of the Greater Columbus Economic Growth Strategy. The centerpiece of the logistics initiative is an Advanced Logistics Park at Rickenbacker, which is enhanced by an intermodal facility.

"We appreciate the strong leadership of Rep. Dave Hobson, Rep. Deborah Pryce, and Rep. Pat Tiberi on this important effort," said Ty D. Marsh, President and CEO, Columbus Chamber. “Through their united effort, Columbus will be home to a new intermodal facility and Advanced Logistics Park that will support the logistics industry and result in more jobs and business growth in Central Ohio."

The intermodal facility is also considered to be of vital economic importance by the State of Ohio Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Columbus Partnership, the City of Columbus as well as the Franklin and Pickaway County Commissioners. Ground is expected to be broken on the intermodal facility this summer with the first phase operational in early 2006. At full build-out, the facility is expected to handle 400,000 container transfers a year.

For more information contact Angie Neal, Manager of Communications, at (614) 239-4081 or via email at aneal@ColumbusAirports.com.

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