New Etowah industrial park first in Tennessee to receive CSX Select Site designation
(Source: CSX press release, February 25, 2013)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX will announce that the North Etowah Industrial Park in McMinn County, Tenn., is the first recipient in the state to receive CSX Select Site designation at a special event in Etowah, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
CSX’s Select Site program reviews the most capable manufacturing and distribution development properties along the CSX network that can rapidly utilize freight rail service. This designation confirms that standard land use issues have been addressed and that the site is ready for development.
“Through the Select Site program, we can increase speed to market and lower up-front development risk for companies seeking industrial property for manufacturing operations,” said Clark Robertson, assistant vice president, regional development, CSX. “This program helps communities identify and prepare sites that can compete for new investments and job creation.”
CSX introduced the program in 2012, as an opportunity to work with the economic development community to create an inventory of sites that can be marketed for CSX direct rail service. CSX has partnered with The Austin Company, a nationally known site selection consulting firm, to screen candidate sites and assist communities with the application and certification process.
“This 270-acre site offers a strategic location opportunity as it lies between the growing cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior location consultant, The Austin Company. “The site is clear, adjacent to the CSX mainline and has all the utilities on-site in ample capacity.”
CSX would like to recognize the McMinn County Board of Commissioners, City of Etowah and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority for their efforts to complete the Select Site certification for North Etowah Industrial Park.
In addition to the North Etowah Industrial Park site, CSX has certified numerous other sites across its service territory. The certified sites are featured on our user-friendly Web portal. To learn more, visit http://www.csxselectsite.com.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
