Georgia announces inland terminal plan to cut trucks to Atlanta

CARGO moved via the Northeast Georgia Inland Port, will reduce Atlanta truck traffic by shifting containers to rail, said state Governor Nathan Deal in announcing plans for the Georgia Ports Authority's (GPA) new inland terminal near Gainesville.

Set to open in 2021, the new inland port will be operated by the GPA and served by Norfolk Southern Railroad.



'The inland port will be in the heart of the manufacturing and logistics corridor along Interstate 85, important the production of heavy equipment, food and forest products,' Governor Deal said.



'Besides serving these existing port customers, it will also act as an economic development tool, drawing new investment from business and industry to Hall and its surrounding counties,'



Handling both import and export containers at the Gainesville terminal, Norfolk Southern will provide service on a direct rail route to and from the Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal.



'Savannah is a rapidly growing gateway for global commerce, and Hall County and the surrounding region in northeast Georgia are key areas of expansion in the state,' said Norfolk Southern vice president Jeff Heller.



'Manufacturers and distributors around the globe continue to set their sights on this region for development. Georgia Ports Authority's inland port at Gainesville, combined with Norfolk Southern's rail service, will provide crucial links in the supply chains of local industries, consumers, and the rest of the world, and serve as a catalyst for new opportunities for industrial development,' he said.



GPA chairman Jimmy Allgood said the new choice in cargo handling will transform the local rail market, helping port customers optimise their supply chains.



'Our inland terminals are bringing our ports and producers closer together, providing new economic opportunities,' Mr Allgood said.



'That's good news for Georgians, who will benefit from increased employment options as more companies expand or locate here. Georgia Ports already support more than 440,000 jobs across every corner of the state.'


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