Port Everglades moves forward with ICTF

Port Everglades moves forward with ICTF    The Broward County Commission on Tuesday authorized Port Everglades to enter into negotiations with Florida East Coast Railway for the development and operation of an intermodal container transfer facility.
   The approval means the railroad can pursue a State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loan to finance the rail yard.
   The project is planned as a public-private partnership. The county will contribute about 40 acres where the terminal would be built, the state is to provide $18 million, and the railroad at least $32 million.
   The ICTF in the Southport area of Port Everglades will facilitate the transfer of containerized cargo through the port onto FEC's rail line via a connecting rail spur.
   The ICTF would allow containers from major port users such as Crowley and Mediterranean Shipping Co, to be moved between ship and railroad without going on highways outside the port, said Ellen Kennedy, a port spokesperson. That will reduce congestion in the local community and ease movement of heavy containers.
   The port said the ICTF is unusual because both domestic and international cargo would be handled on the site.
   The Florida Department of Transportation will break ground next month on a the Eller Drive overpass project, which is a critical first step in moving the ICTF forward. It will allow for an at-grade rail connection directly into Southport. The port said this project, to cost $54 million, is fully funded by the state.