Intermodal facility being explored |
Intermodal facility being explored |
Aug 20 2007, 01:01 PM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,425 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=54065.42
QUOTE Co. Committee To Look At Intermodal Officials to start advisory task force to ensure ‘transparent’ process in development. Laurie Wink The News-Dispatch LA PORTE - An advisory task force is being created to help county officials evaluate prospective developers and sites for an intermodal freight terminal in La Porte County. County Commission President Barbara Huston said in a press release Friday the commissioners are developing an "orderly and fair process" that would involve public input. The task force will have 15 to 20 members. The convergence of rail lines, coupled with closeness to major interstate highways, has positioned La Porte County as a prime location for a facility that could create jobs and boost economic development. It would serve as a place where cargo is transferred between trucks and trains. Two railroad companies are said to be eying locations here, but are saying little publicly about their plans. Some property owners have said they have been approached by a real estate company that has been buying options on farmland in southern La Porte County. "We will put a very public, transparent process in place to evaluate developers and sites before we ever give approvals to anyone," Huston said. Huston said the county has received multiple inquiries from real estate firms, venture capital groups, railroads and real estate investment trusts interested in prospective county locations. She said county attorney Shaw Friedman and county economic development coordinator Matt Reardon will coordinate contacts and issue a request of interest to identify serious proposals. Her own preference is to use the Kingsbury Industrial Park as the site of the intermodal facility, but she and the other commissioners are open to all possibilities, she said. |
Sep 17 2007, 11:42 AM
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,425 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
A letter to the editor from the mayor himself... As usual, it is pretty non-committal.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...&TM=49269.7 QUOTE It's Too Early To Judge Intermodal As I read the news coverage of potential intermodal and logistics projects in La Porte County I want my fellow citizens to be mindful that the development of such ventures follows a deliberate, and ultimately public, process. We all need to exercise patience while that progression occurs. The process starts with an entrepreneur identifying a business concept that meets a market demand. The developer must research and select the best locations for the venture and determine the suitability of those sites. Because of the convergence of freight rail lines and interstate highways, La Porte County has a high potential for intermodal development. The market for these projects is driven by increasing freight traffic in the Chicago consumer market. Such projects also support industry as it brings in assembly components and ships out finished products. The developer also has to privately assemble commitments with willing sellers. Infrastructure needs are preliminarily identified and cost analysis begins at this stage, where economic and elected officials may be engaged for information exchange. Ultimately, economics will determine if projects will be pursued in a location. To proceed without prompting competition for land for the intended venture, the developer must be secure in the knowledge that information about their concept will not be leaked. A development plan with project engineering and feasibility is researched before public announcements are made. The developer must investigate zoning requirements and environmental impacts as well as finalizing infrastructure costs with development agencies. Public officials then review project requirements and determine how to best assist and negotiate project performance standards, such as job creation, construction criteria and community improvements. These aspects of the project undergo specific approval processes by public bodies, complete with public hearings. No binding agreements are made before this point. For intermodal projects, La Porte County has established a citizen's task force that will conduct an additional public review process. It appears the current development process has yet to complete its private phases and due diligence. The potential for job creation, infrastructure development, related investment and tax base expansion through out La Porte County is great with intermodal development. I encourage our citizens and elected officials to review proposals, when submitted, before taking positions regarding intermodal development in our county. Chuck Oberlie, Mayor Michigan City |
Sep 17 2007, 03:54 PM
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#3
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 5,171 Joined: 11-December 06 From: Indiana Member No.: 10 |
A letter to the editor from the mayor himself... As usual, it is pretty non-committal. http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...&TM=49269.7 Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.................. Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~Dr. Suess
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