Rick Scott: Winter Haven Rail Terminal 'Means More Jobs'

Gov. Rick Scott joined elected local and state officials and executives from several Florida-based companies as dirt was turned for a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday for the Winter Haven Intermodal Rail Terminal.

HDR Engineering has estimated the terminal, to be built and run by Jacksonville-based CSX Transportation affiliate Evansville Western Railway, will create 200 jobs directly and up to 8,500 jobs indirectly, and generate more than $10 billion in economic development over a 10 year period.

"My No. 1 priority is to create jobs for Florida families, Scott stated in a release. This groundbreaking means more jobs, more opportunities for our communities -- and underscores Floridas importance in global commerce. We have more work to do, but we are clearly on the right track for greater job creation.

The terminal takes up 318 acres and includes five 3,000-foot loading tracks and two 10,000-foot arrival and departure tracks. CSX has agreed to purchase 930 neighboring acres from Winter Haven for the development of distribution centers, warehousing and manufacturing facilities.

Construction is expected to be completed by May 2014.