Explanation
BACKGROUND: CSX Intermodal (CSXI) is investigating the potential for locating and constructing a new, larger intermodal facility to accommodate projections of substantial growth in CSXI's business in Ohio and Mid-America markets. CSXI, a subsidiary of CSX Corporation, currently operates, and is at capacity, at a Columbus-based intermodal facility (known as Buckeye Yard) located on the Westside of the city.
After considering various alternatives, the company is now focused on a 140-acre location adjacent to CSXI's existing rail facility located at Parsons Yard, in south Columbus (generally at the intersection of Groveport Road and State Highway 104). The facility would serve as a terminal for the receiving and departure of domestic and international containers and highway trailers that are moved via rail throughout CSXI's nationwide network, serving both domestic and international customers. The principal commodities moved are consumer goods and parcels.
This Legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with CSX Intermodal for a traffic study. The legislation also authorizes the appropriation of $15,000 and the expenditure of $15,000 to engage the services of CSXI to plan, manage and execute a traffic study near the Groveport Road and Rt. 104 area.
Emergency legislation is requested to allow the traffic study to be implemented and completed in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this contract will consist of $15,000 from the Jobs Growth Fund.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $15,000 within the Jobs Growth Fund to the Department of Development; to authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with CSX Intermodal to plan, manage and execute a traffic study near the Groveport Road and Rt. 104 area; to authorize the expenditure of $15,000 from the Jobs Growth Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($15,000)
Body
WHEREAS, CSXI Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services; and
WHEREAS, CSX Intermodal (CSXI) currently operates, and is at capacity, at a Columbus-based intermodal facility (known as Buckeye Yard) located on the Westside of the city; and
WHEREAS, CSX Intermodal (CSXI) is investigating the potential for locating and constructing a new, larger intermodal facility to accommodate projections of substantial growth in CSXI's business in Ohio and Mid-America markets; and
WHEREAS, after considering various alternatives, the company is now focused on a 140-acre location adjacent to CSXI's existing rail facility located at Parsons Yard, in south Columbus (generally at the intersection of Groveport Road and State Highway 104); and
WHEREAS, a traffic study is needed to determine the long term effects of increased traffic in the Groveport Road and Rt. 104; and
WHEREAS, the relocation of the CSXI terminal rail facility to the south-side is an opportunity for growth which will create jobs and business investment in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to allow CSXI to plan, manage and execute A traffic study in a timely manner; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of said funds for a contract with CSX Intermodal, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the City Auditor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $15,000 in the Jobs Growth Fund, Fund 015 to the Development Department, Economic Development Division, Division 44-02, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3336, OCA 440215.
Section 2. That the Director of Development is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with CSX Intermodal to plan, manage and execute a traffic study in the south side of Columbus.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $15,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized to be expended from the Development Department, Economic Development Division, Division 44-02, Jobs Growth Fund, Fund 015, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3336, OCA 440215.
Section 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.