SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Union Pacific on July 20 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.
— PRNewswire-FirstCall
