Georgia Ports Authority approve rail expansion project

Georgia Ports Authority approve rail expansion project    The Georgia Ports Authority said Monday its board of directors has approved funding for a major expansion of Anguilla Junction, a project that could double rail capacity at the Port of Brunswick.
   'This rail expansion, along with the current harbor deepening project, will provide a tremendous boost in the total volume of bulk commodities and autos at the Colonel's Island Terminal,' said chairman Mack Mattingly during the board's meeting Monday.
   When the Brunswick harbor deepening project is complete, all of the world's auto-carrying fleet will be able to safely access GPA's facilities, and 45 percent of the world's bulk and breakbulk vessels will be able to call on Brunswick's Mayor's Point and East River Terminals without tidal constraints, the port said. The Golden Isles Rail Road, the exclusive rail provider to the Port of Brunswick, provides interchanges with CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railroad.
   Doug J. Marchand, GPA executive director, said at the board meeting that the Port of Brunswick handled more auto and machinery units in February than any other month in its history — Colonel's Island Terminal handled 37,004 units, a 60.7 percent increase, or 21,304 additional units compared with the same period last year.
   The Port of Savannah also had record tonnage and container growth, with the Garden City and Ocean terminals handling a combined 1.48 million tons, a 17.8 percent increase or 224,387 additional tons compared with the same period last year. Savannah also handled 160,550 TEUs during February, an increase of 10.8 percent, or 15,592 additional TEUS.