Lots for new Great Bend transload facility.
After the “tryout” process and then being selected as one of the two finalists to receive a transload facility, Great Bend is finally ready to see construction begin for the shipping hub. The transload facility ground breaking ceremony will be Wednesday, July 6 at 2 p.m. at the Great Bend Industrial Park.
A specially formed selection committee chose Great Bend’s site near the airport to provide rail and truck shipping. The Kansas Department of Transportation is set to help fund the venture.
KDOT’s freight and rail program manager John Maddox says the project partners will be ready for construction following the groundbreaking presentation.
John Maddox Audio
Maddox says the transload facility is a true partnership in the sense that KDOT, Watco Companies, Sherwood Construction, and the City of Great Bend all have a financial commitment to the facility. KDOT is expected to pay $3 million of the $6.8 million project that will be positioned on 30 acres.
Great Bend’s central location was a big factor why they were chosen along with Garden City for the shipping hub.
John Maddox Audio
Upon completion, the transload facility will have three tracks and be able of holding 45 rail cars at once.
The ground breaking event will take place at 8th Street & C Street.