Watco’s Decatur Riverport terminal benefits from Ala. infrastructure funding
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Short Line Safety Institute releases new resources to serve short line industry needs.
David C. Lester
Watco’s Decatur (Ala.) Riverport terminal in the Mallard-Fox Creek Industrial Park is among the beneficiaries of a grant awarded to Decatur as part of the Alabama Inland Port Infrastructure Program. This will strengthen Decatur’s ability to serve the agriculture, steel, and automotive markets.
The grant will go toward building two warehouses at the Decatur Riverport terminal that will serve the agriculture and steel markets, and will also position Decatur to serve as a transportation node for the automotive sector in Alabama and Tennessee.
Watco Companies will also contribute funds for the warehouses. In addition, Watco will hire additional team members, and the end result will be a total of 70,000 square feet of warehouse space.
“Decatur is excited about the success of the public-private partnership between Watco and the Decatur-Morgan County Port Authority at the Decatur Riverport. The construction of these warehouses and the operation at Decatur Riverport sets Morgan County apart in the competitive logistics arena, and we are thankful for their support,” said Alabama state Sen. Arthur Orr.
Morgan County Port Authority Board President Harvey Pride Jr. applauded the efforts of Orr, Gov. Kay Ivey, and the Legislature. “The competitive grant program through ADECA has provided us a tremendous opportunity to enhance our existing facility with our partners at Watco,” he said, “and it will definitely increase waterway traffic on the Tennessee River.”
The port benefits from rail service provided by Norfolk Southern. Rail and river access offer better options both economically and in achieving efficiency in moving products through Decatur.
“This project is the result of hard work between two great partners that will position Decatur competitively as economic development projects move forward in north Alabama. We appreciate the partnership with the Morgan Country Economic Development Association and look forward to continuing to grow together, said Watco’s Vice President of Sales K.R. McKenzie.”
