Sept. 13 , 2005

For more information contact:
Larry Mesenbrink
515-239-1066
larry.mesenbrink@dot.iowa.gov

Rail shipping in central Iowa expands and saves energy

AMES , Iowa – The Iowa Transportation Commission today approved a $480,000 low-interest loan to Midwest I, LLC of Altoona. The loan will assist in the construction of a one-mile long rail spur into the new industrial park between the city of Altoona and Interstate 80. The industrial spur will connect the existing Iowa Cold Storage meat-handling facility to the Iowa Interstate Railroad, allowing frozen meat to be shipped by rail instead of refrigerated semi trailers.

Iowa Cold Storage estimates that 50,000 tons of frozen meat will be shipped from their facility in Altoona to destinations on the west coast during the first year the spur line is in operation. Switching the shipment of the frozen meat from truck to rail has the potential to save 480,000 gallons of diesel fuel and more than 3.5 million highway miles traveled per year. As new companies locate at the Altoona Business Center , the spur line will be extended to offer the rail alternative for freight shipment to those businesses as well.

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