SAN ANTONIO — Southwest Gulf Railroad (SGR), a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Co., announced it has received approval from the federal Surface Transportation Board to construct a 9-mile rail line in Medina County, Texas.
The STB’s approval allows three environmentally acceptable route options for the SGR line. The approval follows an extensive five-year review of the project that included multiple revisions and improvements, resulting in route modifications that were requested as well as extensive mitigation measures designed to protect the environment and historic resources.
SGR said it fully supports these mitigation measures.
“We are pleased with the STB’s decision. We are looking forward to working with the county and state agencies and other stakeholders during the construction of the new rail line,” Vulcan’s Southwest Division Project Manager, Erik Remmert, said. “This decision by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board opens the door for significant positive economic opportunities for the city of Hondo and the surrounding areas of Medina County. The rail line is designated a common carrier and will offer services to other businesses locating along the rail line in the future.
“In addition, the Vulcan quarry to be served by the rail line will provide much needed basic infrastructure materials for the Texas economy while providing, when fully operational, over 50 jobs at the site, about $600,000 in new tax revenues for Medina County schools and other vital services, and an estimated local economic impact annually of $1,000,000,” Remmert said.
Vulcan Materials Company, a member of the S&P 500 index, is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, and a major producer of asphalt mix and concrete.
— Business Wire
