KINGSBURY — La Porte County has completed all pieces for Kingsbury Industrial Park’s newest rail spur connecting CSX Transportation, a Class 1 railroad.
“This connection has been several years in the making for the Redevelopment Commission. Our focused leadership, collaborative spirit, and tenacity to get the connection built will propel Kingsbury Industrial Park and La Porte County towards larger business expansions and relocations” said Randy Novak, La Porte County Redevelopment Commission president.
This connection, according to the La Porte County Office of Community and Economic Development, will open the industrial park to three connections – CN, South Shore and CSX – creating economic opportunities for new and existing businesses in the Kingsbury Industrial Park (KIP).
“It is said that patience, hard work and determination are virtues. That statement exemplifies all those involved in helping to get a class 1 connection into the Kingsbury Industrial Park. As the switchers in the park, JBC rail services is thrilled to announce that CSX went live on April 1, 2024, and has officially put KIP on the map in the rail industry,” said Kimberly MacDonald Carroll and Jim Carroll of JBC Rail Services, Inc.
“Many thanks to all who worked tirelessly to attain this goal – the La Porte County Board, Matt Reardon and LPCRDC, the state of Indiana, to name a few. The opportunities this brings to La Porte are endless. A ‘golden spike’ ceremony will be announced soon,” they added.
The connection of the rail spur was completed due to a large collaborative effort including partners such as IEDC, JBC Rail, La Porte County Planning Department, Building Department, Redevelopment Commission, Kingsbury Industrial Park landowners, CSX and many more.
“CSX Transportation and the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission have collaborated over many years to bring this pivotal moment to fruition, and we extend our sincerest gratitude for their unwavering dedication,” said Adam Hess, CSX director of industrial development.
“The inclusion of CSX access at the Kingsbury Industrial Park will unlock new opportunities within our current customer base and pave the way for future developments that drive economic growth in this region. We are excited to stand by La Porte County as it embarks on a journey of industrial growth and prosperity for the years ahead,” Hess added.
KIP has seen a 30 percent increase in new business inquiries over the past three years, according to the La Porte County Office of Community and Economic Development. These opportunities are met with rail opportunities unlike other project areas in the state of Indiana.
New business inquiries include industries such as electric vehicle production, corn/grain processing, transportation/intermodal opportunities, and other manufacturing sectors, according to organizers.
To commemorate this achievement, a golden spike event is planned for the end of May.
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