El Dorado KS- The City of El Dorado has been named as one of seven finalists by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for a transload facility project. Out of 111 applications state-wide, El Dorado was selected as a top contender for the proposed project.
Transloading is the process of moving goods from one mode of transportation to another. In this instance, goods will be moved from truck to rail or rail to truck. The proposed transload facility will blend the benefits of shipping by rail with local trucking in a more flexible and cost effective environment. A transload facility be an excellent opportunity for customers and producers who may not otherwise have access to freight rail or those who need expanded warehousing. The conjunction of major railways, highway and interstate roadways, access to public utilities, and interested developers, makes El Dorado’s proposed transload site a viable option for the KDOT project.
The El Dorado site, owned by a private developer (Grizzly Development), consists of 400 acres of undeveloped space with an option to obtain an additional 200 acres of space if needed. All ground is within the City limits and can be serviced by public utilities and infrastructure. The location is an ideal transload site with access to both the Union Pacific and BNSF railroads as well as the Kansas Turnpike, K-254, K-196, and U.S. Highways 77, 196, and 400.
As the trend of regionalism in South Central Kansas continues to gain momentum, El Dorado has proposed a project that will encourage regionalism. The project has already garnered support from regional economic development groups, local government entities, and other organizations who recognize the opportunity for a positive economic impact and regional growth.
“The 28 local governments that are members of the Regional Economic area Partnership (REAP), express our strong support for the Kansas Department of Transportation to select El Dorado as the location for the transload shipping facility. Having the transload center in South Central Kansas and in the Wichita MSA will be asset to existing and future industry in the region. Enhancing the infrastructure to support economic development is consistent with the Blueprint for Regional Economic Growth (BREG) initiative and support the Regional Export Plan” – Carl Koster, REAP Chairman.
Representatives for the City of El Dorado, El Dorado Inc., and Grizzly Development will present their site to KDOT on Friday, July 31, in Topeka. KDOT expects a selection on the final site toward the end of August. Other communities currently being considered as finalists include: Abilene, Concordia, Garden City, Great Bend, Parsons, and Norton.
Questions may be directed to Scott Rickard with the City of El Dorado at 316-321-9100.