James July-August 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 54
Riding the rails
Many readers likely do not have much interaction
with the railroad but almost certainly interact with
freight trucks on the roads. If not for the railroads,
those truck interactions would be infinitely more
frequent, says the regional vice president for state
government relations for CSX Transportation. “In
Georgia, you had over a 100 million tons of freight in
2023 that was either originated or brought to Georgia
by rail,” said Craig Camuso. “That’s about 2,400,000
train carloads. The thought is that one rail car equals
three trucks. Multiply that, and you’ve got over seven
million trucks that are not on the highways.”
Working with GDOT and the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia’s rail providers can weave a network
that both helps to ease traffic for drivers but also
speed delivery and lower cost for shippers and receivers. “One of the biggest benefits that happened is
at the Georgia Port Authority, the Mason Mega Rail
Terminal,” said Camuso. “This allows us and Norfolk
Southern to move trains straight out of the port. It
also allows for a much more efficient and safer service to Georgians.”
Not only is the logistics industry already an
economic powerhouse in the state but Georgia is
well-positioned going forward thanks to a cooperative network of leaders, seemingly rowing in the
same direction and working together to make a cohesive puzzle, rather than working individually.
“The Georgia Transportation Alliance and our
members applaud the governor and the General Assembly for their strong leadership driving Georgia’s
economic development through $2.5 billion additional investment in transportation infrastructure over
the last two years,” said Joseph Santoro, executive
director at the Georgia Transportation Alliance.
“Georgia’s booming economy results in more
congestion across our transportation system, and
increasing investment in freight, logistics, and local
transportation networks has never been more critical
to ensuring Georgia’s sustained economic success.”
That’s why Santoro says “GTA will continue working
in partnership with the governor, General Assembly, and GDOT to develop a sustainable, dedicated
source of funding transportation and infrastructure
essential to keep Georgia’s economy moving.”
Baker Owens is a staff writer for James and James Magazine Online.
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