SEDA-COG JRA partners with Columbia County on flood protection project
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The finished track work and turnout near the Bloomsburg Flood Protection Project.
SEDA-COG
The Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority (JRA) in Pennsylvania has partnered with the Columbia County Commissioners on recently completed trackwork to support the Bloomsburg Flood Protection Project.
In order to accommodate the floodwall closure gate, new track and a turnout were moved and built to the west of its prior location in mid-January.
SEDA-COG JRA awarded the $212,814-contract to Chesapeake Thermite Welding to do the work on the track, which North Shore Railroad operates. The commissioners dedicated $57,500 for the track and turnout work and the JRA paid for the balance.
“This is an example of the SEDA-COG JRA partnering with local government to provide a good solution for people and projects alike,” said Jeff Stover, JRA executive director.
The $30-million flood protection project will preserve more than 700 jobs at the Autoneum North America Inc. facility, as well as maintain the potential for industrial development and local employment at the former Windsor Foods site. Autoneum is one of the heaviest users of that rail line.
In addition to protecting Autoneum and the former Windsor Foods site, the flood wall will shelter more rail cars from floods. Numerous rail cars were damaged in Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in track and car damages and lost lading.
