Page 20: of Marine News Magazine (May 2019)

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INSIGHTS seen, and there’s no telling where the trade talks will go with

More than $200 million has been invested in your re- gion’s agricultural product barge transfer infrastruc-

China, but we think 2019 will be a good year for trade overall.

ture facilities since 2005. How much of that occurred at America’s Central Port? What does that spend entail?

You’ve been quoted as saying, “Those of us trying to

About a quarter ($50 million) was spent here on a new get a piece of the projected growth in freight volumes need to get creative. Freight needs to ? nd the lowest intermodal Madison Harbor and 3 rail loop tracks totaling cost alternative, and the containerization of various about 5 miles of rail to support ef? cient harbor loading products, ranging from tires and scrap metal to ag- and unloading.

riculture products, such as specialized soybeans, is

China over time became a large buyer of soybeans part of the solution.” Tell me a little about your port’s creativity to garner more freight share.

with 35 percent of soybeans grown in the United States

Our focus has been in enhancing the region’s transporta- being exported to China. The tariffs have taken a bite tion infrastructure, pursuing opportunities that improve out of that volume. But, farmers have also found other river, rail, and road capabilities. This includes the $50 Mil- venues, yes? What’s the status of all of that today?

How much has the trade war impacted the region?

lion Madison Harbor, ? ve miles of Rail installed to serve

There has been a decrease in the amount of soybeans we’ve it and access for tenants across the Port property. In terms

May 2019 20 MN