On June 12th, Port Freeport was awarded $6.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program to assist with funding the second phase of the Parcel 14 Rail Development.

“These investments in intercity passenger and freight rail will benefit surrounding communities, make grade crossings safer and improve service reliability,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.  The CRISI Program funds a wide range of projects that improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of passenger and freight rail in the United States.  Grant funding was awarded to 45 projects in 29 states, with Port Freeport being the sole recipient from Texas.
“The rail project is a key strategic initiative for Port Freeport that will enhance landside accessibility and provide supply chain efficiencies to support the economic expansion occurring in the region and state of Texas,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport Executive Director/CEO.  “We are excited to have the support from the Federal Railroad Administration for the advancement of this key infrastructure project.”
The second phase of the rail project will include the addition of approximately 24,000 feet of four main tracks adjacent to the recently constructed 21,000 linear feet of track parallel to State Highway 36. The first phase of the Parcel 14 Rail Development will be completed this month with an official ribbon-cutting scheduled for June 28th.  The site will be developed into a multimodal industrial park with warehouse space and distribution facilities, as well as areas for new vehicle processing and storage for the recently announced Horizon Terminal Services expansion.  Union Pacific Railroad will offer manifest train service on the new rail infrastructure and unit train service at full project completion.
“Port Freeport is excited to be awarded this federal grant for the second phase of the rail project which will support the needs of our current and future port users and create more jobs in Brazoria County.  We would like to extend our appreciation to Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Randy Weber, and state House Speaker, Dennis Bonnen for their support of this Project,” said Port Freeport Chairman Paul Kresta.  “This added funding will allow the Port to move forward with the overall development plan for the multi-modal site on a more accelerated schedule.”