Area Development
Jacksonville, FL-based CSX Corporation has announced it will invest $59 million to expand its intermodal freight terminal in Columbus, Ohio. Over 400 construction-related jobs in that city are expected to be created over the course of the project.

Company officials said the terminal expansion will achieve two goals. It will provide the region with the capacity needed for anticipated growth in business, and further enhance CSX's "economical and environmentally-friendly" rail intermodal service.

The terminal expansion is part of the National Gateway initiative, which connects deep water East Coast ports with Midwestern markets. The overall project covers six states and the District of Columbia, and includes rail capacity enhancements and intermodal terminal capacity improvements.

Earlier this year, CSX opened the cornerstone of the National Gateway: a $175 million intermodal terminal in Northwest Ohio.

"We have a proud history of helping the Midwest thrive," sad Wilby Whitt, president of CSX Intermodal Terminals, "and we believe this investment will help increase the benefits available in Central Ohio and beyond."

Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman said the investment is great news for the local economy, not to mention the state. "CSX's investment strengthens the region's transportation infrastructure, and provides our businesses with access to more efficient, cost-effective green transportation."