On June 28th, Port Freeport and their honored guests joined together for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development, a 250-acre site adjacent to State Highway 36.

Representatives from Port Freeport Commission, Executive Staff, Congressman Randy Weber’s Office, Congressman Pete Olson’s Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Union Pacific cut the ribbon to officially open Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development. Union Pacific locomotive was off and staged for photography purposes only.
Representatives from Port Freeport Commission, Executive Staff, Congressman Randy Weber’s Office, Congressman Pete Olson’s Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Union Pacific cut the ribbon to officially open Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development. Union Pacific locomotive was off and staged for photography purposes only.

In August 2017, Port Freeport broke ground on the $21 million Parcel 14 Rail Development Project.  Approximately 21,000 linear feet of rail track has been constructed consisting of a 6,000-foot lead track spurring from the Union Pacific main line at Cherry Street, that crosses SH 36, and then connects to three ladder tracks of approximately 5,000 feet each.
“Port Freeport is excited to celebrate this momentous occasion.  A rail-served multimodal development has been part of Port Freeport’s long-term strategic initiatives,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director/CEO.  “The project further enhances the Port’s landside capabilities to support the continued economic expansion in the region.”
The site will be developed into a multimodal industrial park complete with new warehousing facilities, cross-docking activities and distribution centers.  The park will also include the previously announced expansion of Horizon Terminal Services’ new vehicle processing and storage area.  A recently awarded federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program will advance construction of the second phase of the rail project which will include an additional 24,000 feet of ladder tracks parallel to the phase one track. Union Pacific Railroad will offer manifest train service to the new rail infrastructure.
“The Port is pleased to provide these additional capabilities which will create additional jobs and economic growth for our current and future customers. With the expansion of the Panama Canal and the oil and gas renaissance experienced in this region, we are planning for growth at Port Freeport to continue,” said Port Freeport Chairman Shane Pirtle.
Nationally, Port Freeport is ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total tonnage, and 26th in containers. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., CMA CGM, Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Freeport LNG, Hoegh Autoliners. Horizon Terminal Services, Mammoet, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, and Vulcan Materials Company.
Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operation and results. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email or call Lauren McCormick, Public Affairs Manager.