Port Manatee to Purchase New Energy-Efficient Switch Locomotives with Tiger II Grant Funds

PALMETTO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Manatee County Port Authority approved an addendum at its October 18^th board meeting allowing port officials to accept $2.5 million in federal TIGER II grant funding for the purchase of two new energy-efficient switch locomotives.

“We were awarded these funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) because we demonstrated compelling opportunities for expansion and for what these engines will bring in terms of attracting new customers and retaining existing ones”

The new TIGER II grant funds are in addition to $9 million the port was awarded in 2010 for the extension of its Berth 12 and development of a new, adjacent container terminal.

“We were awarded these funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) because we demonstrated compelling opportunities for expansion and for what these engines will bring in terms of attracting new customers and retaining existing ones,” said Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras.

The new locomotives will help highlight Port Manatee’s superior cargo-moving and intermodal capabilities and its direct access to all of North American via the port’s connection with the CSX mainline. The new engines will enhance Port Manatee’s growing operational efficiencies, supporting its eight miles of track, 19 switches, nine crossings and 300-plus rail car capacity.

The new energy-efficient engines are expected to cost about $3 million with the port providing a match of 20 percent.