Digest: Industrial development firm launches rail affiliate, announces first operation

Agracel Rail Holdings launches with agreement at Ohio industrial park

A company providing industrial development services to rural communities is launching a rail affiliate. Agracel Rail Holdings, a subsidiary of Agracel, Inc., will begin operations by redeveloping and operating rail infrastructure at The Point Industrial Park in South Point, Ohio. “Our goal in becoming a leading industrial and short line development firm is to enhance our customers’ overall safety, efficiency, and competitiveness in the marketplace,” Scott Lurkins, co-founder and president of Agracel Rail, said in a press release. The Ohio location includes facilities with capacity to store more than 500 railcars, as well as a loop track for unit train loading and unloading, a transload facility, and direct access to the Ohio River. Parent company Agracel previously helped develop the Effingham Railroad and Illinois Western Railroad. More information on Agracel is available here; more on Agracel Rail is here.

Responding to call by Wabtec CEO, legislators introduce bill to fund development of zero-emission locomotives

Three members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation have introduced the Freight Rail Innovation Act, which would establish an organization to develop zero-emission locomotives. Reps. Conor Lamb and Mike Doyle introduced the house version of the legislation, while Sen. Bob Casey introduced the Senate version. “This legislation is a perfect example of Congress working together with industry and academic leaders to develop new and innovative transportation technologies,” Lamb said in a press release. The bill comes after Rafael Santana, CEO of Pittsburgh-based Wabtec, called for federal funding to help establish such an institute in testimony before Congress earlier this year [see “Wabtec seeks federal funding …,” Trains News Wire, March 17, 2021]. The full text of the legislation is available here.

Watco’s Bogalusa Bayou Railroad adds 26-mile line

Watco’s Bogalusa Bayou Railroad has purchased the 26-mile Geaux Geaux Railroad, operating between Slaughter and Zee, La, from Amzak Capital Management. Bogalusa Bayou, which previously had just 6 miles of its own track, has been operating the Geaux Geaux since 2018. “As the owner of the line,we canc ontinue to leverage our experience in several service areas to build on the current business,” Dave Riggs, Watco Sales Manager, said in a press release. “We’re excited to create value for our current and future customers with options to improve their supply chains.”