By ANDREA HOWE,
Editor, The Princeton Daily Clarion
PRINCETON-Reports that interest in an intermodal facility in Northwest Indiana may be fading haven't stopped a regional study examining the feasibility of a shipping hub here.
Inside Indiana Business reported this week that railroads have said they're not interested in bringing an intermodal facility to LaPorte County, although that county's board of commissioners have set aside more than $5,000 for an intermodal task force to study the issue and deal with private investors on the project.
Gibson County and other area leaders are examining a Southwest Indiana intermodal freight terminal's feasibility. Gibson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Mosby said Gibson County is working together with representatives of water port projects in Spencer County and Evansville to get grant money to pursue the concept.
The chamber spearheaded a 2005 feasibility study with a $147,000 state grant, learning that there's a demand for a new intermodal freight terminal in this area if a delicate combination of users and investment is achieved.
Washington, D.C.-based R.L. Banks & Assoc. conducted the initial study, which scored a site northeast of Toyota as the best of three potential locations in the area.
That study evaluated market demand for a freight terminal, transportation infrastructure, potential sites and proposed a business case for the project.
That study suggested a model project involving 80 to 120 acres of track, storage and parking, implemented in $15 million and $26 million investment phases.
Consultant Ryan Higgins presented the study in September 2006, reporting there's potential for long-term profit, if the right combination of capital and ownership is attained.
The consult recommended the county pursue forming a freight advisory council which could include agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and logistics providers to work on the project.
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