Port Everglades, FEC to partner in development of intermodal facility

Florida's Broward County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved action authorizing the Port Everglades Department staff to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida East Coast Railway company leading to the development of an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility on Port property. "Florida East Coast Railway is excited to partner with the state of Florida and Broward County to deliver an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at Port Everglades. This project has been identified by the local community as a need for future growth and the ICTF will ensure South Florida is a hub for international trade for future generations," said Jim R. Hertwig, president and CEO of Florida East Coast Railway, L.L.C. The Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 1, 2011, envisioned the development of a near-dock ICTF in the Southport area of the Port as a public/private partnership. Successful completion of an MOU will be the first step towards a broader agreement for construction and operation of the ICTF. The ICTF in the Southport area of Port Everglades will facilitate the transfer of containerized cargo through the Port onto the FEC rail line via a connecting rail spur. The proposed ICTF is unique compared to similar facilities in other ports in that both domestic and international cargo would be handled on the site. These cargos are currently being handled on a 14-acre site on Andrews Avenue owned by the FEC. A combined near-dock facility at the Port should result in competitive transfer and shipping fees for port clients, thus increasing the Port's competitive advantage compared to other ports. Positive environmental benefits are also envisioned by the reduction of truck traffic on local roadways. The Florida Department of Transportation will break ground for the Eller Drive Overpass project in July 2011, which is a critical first step in moving the ICTF forward by allowing for an at-grade rail connection directly into Southport. This project is fully funded by the state and is estimated to cost $54 million.