City delays deadline for transload facility proposals
The city of Des Moines has extended a deadline for companies to reply to its request for proposals from potential operators for a proposed rail transloading facility on the city’s east side.
“We pushed back the submittal deadline to Jan. 20 to allow for the respondents to further develop their information, including exploring possible joint ventures,” said Rita Conner, an economic development coordinator for the city.
“We don’t know at this point what the discussions are, but want to provide the time to allow for the best possible responses and ultimately the development of the best facility for the city, the market and the preferred operator,” Conner said.
The proposed facility, to be located at a former auto salvage yard adjacent to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway near Southeast 15th Street, would serve area businesses within a 150- to 200-square-mile region by transferring loads of commodities and goods from trucks to train cars.
The rail port would be served by four railroads, which planners say would significantly improve Greater Des Moines’ capacity for moving freight and spur future industrial growth.
The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization conducted a feasibility study in 2014 indicating that a rail port facility would be viable. The MPO has also found significant interest from both the railroads and potential shippers that would use it.
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