The US Department of Commerce has awarded a $6 million Economic Development Administration grant to the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) to help improve the Blount Island Marine Terminal railroad system. The grant will be used to rebuild existing track and rail ties, allowing JAXPORT to enhance its global competitiveness and continue to create and retain private sector jobs.

This award is the result of a grant proposal submitted by the port earlier this year in response to a competitive funding opportunity offered by the US Department of Commerce. The award is not part of any federal stimulus program.

Blount Island

The 14-mile long single-track Blount Island rail system is owned by JAXPORT. CSX Transportation (CSX) provides cargo movement by rail to and from the terminal for JAXPORT tenants, as well as for the US Marine Corps command unit situated on Blount Island. More than 30 percent of all Blount Island cargo moves by rail, with the remainder moving by truck.

The Blount Island rail system is more than 40 years old and the grant project calls for the replacement of those portions of the existing track that have outlived their usefulness.

Other grant facts:

  • JAXPORT will contribute $1.7 million in matching funds to the project
  • More than 19 thousand linear feet (3.5 miles) of new rail will be laid down
  • More than 12 thousand timber ties will be replaced
  • 15 new turnouts will be built
  • The new portions of rail line will follow the same footprint as the existing line
  • At 754 acres, Blount Island is JAXPORT's largest marine terminal
  • Approximately 80% of all JAXPORT container cargo moves through Blount Island
  • JAXPORT moved nearly eight and a half million tons of cargo in 2008.

CSX