Mississippi Export Railroad Investing in Rail Improvements

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – June 1, 2018 – The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has approved funding to support new investment in rail upgrades by the Mississippi Export Railroad, a short line railroad with the majority of its service in Jackson County.

Randy Bosarge, president of the Board of Supervisors, stated, “We are proud to be able to assist in the growth of this important Jackson County-based industry and salute the Mississippi Export Railroad for investing to better serve its current and future customers.”

Funds will be used to construct 3.2 miles of rail car storage, passing and field repair space, representing a total investment of approximately $4.7 million.  A Freight Rail Service Revolving Loan was provided by the Mississippi Development Authority to facilitate the project.

This project will allow existing businesses to expand their production capacity in the future and enable the railroad to better meet the needs of the numerous businesses served by the rail line.

“We are excited to kick off this project with our partners at the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation and the Mississippi Development Authority,” said Kate Luce, chief executive officer of the Export Railroad. “Mississippi Export’s unit train storage and interchange capabilities, combined with its full service car repair shop, make it a one-stop solution for car owners and rail shippers.”

The Mississippi Export Railroad is a short line Class III railroad with the primary mission of serving local industries.  With connections to four Class I railroads, it links the Gulf of Mexico and foreign ports to all of North America.  The railroad is a diversified company with a full service maintenance and repair railcar and locomotive shop with AAR M-1003 & AAR M-1002 (C6) certifications, railcar storage facilities, track maintenance and repair and transloading terminals.  It also partners with Aaron Oil Company to provide tank car cleaning and waste disposal services.