Union Pacific Announces Over $90 Million Investment in a New State-of-the-Art Intermodal Terminal in Bexar County
July 20 2006 - 3:03PM
PR Newswire (US)
Terminal to Reduce Truck Traffic on San Antonio City Streets by
Over 80,000 Trucks a Year SAN ANTONIO, July 20
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Union Pacific today announced plans to
invest over $90 million in Southwest Bexar County to develop a new
state-of-the-art intermodal terminal. The 300-acre rail port will
serve as an economic development and job growth catalyst for the
area. The new terminal will ship and receive containers and
trailers with household goods and other items supporting retailers
and distribution centers, as well as auto parts for the new Toyota
plant in San Antonio. "Union Pacific is pleased to make a
significant investment in Bexar County as we expect intermodal
volumes to experience significant growth in the area," said John
Kaiser, Vice President and General Manager of Union Pacific's
Intermodal Business. The railroad's intermodal volume has been
experiencing substantial growth in recent years, which is a
reflection of the many consumer goods, electronics, toys and
clothing that are being shipped from Asia via intermodal services.
"This is a major investment in Bexar County," said Bexar County
Judge Nelson Wolff. "The terminal will further solidify the
County's position as an international hub for trade and commerce."
The new terminal will support future growth by processing over
100,000 trailers and containers per year. Intermodal trains are an
environmentally friendly option of transporting consumer goods
compared to long haul trucks. Trains are three times more fuel
efficient and produce one-third less emissions than trucks without
the wear and tear on taxpayer financed roads and highways. "I am
pleased Union Pacific selected the southwest side of our
world-class San Antonio community for its new intermodal terminal,"
said Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez of Bexar County Precinct
1. "The environmental benefit through reduction of rigs on our
highways and potential job growth moves our community forward." The
new facility is expected to result in improved freight movement in
the San Antonio area. Benefits include reduction of more than
80,000 trucks per year as well as reducing the number of trucks
that currently travel on I-10 between San Antonio and Houston. At
the same time, train traffic will be more fluid as additional rail
capacity is developed. "Ever mindful of the safety aspects of the
project, Union Pacific's investment is an indication of the
continued positive direction of San Antonio's economy," said City
Councilman Richard Perez of San Antonio's District 4. A combination
of advanced computer systems and technology will coordinate all
movement of railcars, trucks, trailers and containers at the
facility. Because of this technology, a truck entering or leaving
the facility will be stopped at the gate for only 30 to 60 seconds,
compared to the national average of four minutes. Union Pacific
expects construction of the new facility to begin in 2007 with
completion scheduled in 2008 on property acquired between Old
Pearsall Road, I-35, the 410 and 1604 loops. Jobs at Union Pacific
Currently, Union Pacific has job openings at many locations
throughout its 23-state operating system. Opportunities are
available in management, train service, and other skilled
disciplines such as diesel mechanics and electricians. Interested
applicants are encouraged to visit http://www.up.com/ and click on
"Jobs at UP." About Union Pacific Union Pacific Corporation owns
one of America's leading transportation companies. Its principal
operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the
western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing
U.S. population centers. Union Pacific's diversified business mix
includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy,
Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive
long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to
eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems
and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico,
making it North America's premier rail franchise. DATASOURCE: Union
Pacific Corporation CONTACT: Joe Arbona of Union Pacific
Corporation, +1-281-350-7771, or mobile, +1-832-257-4363 Web site:
http://www.up.com/ Company News On-Call:
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