Elected Officials

What our elected officials are saying...

“The Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility will bring significant economic growth to McCalla and thousands of jobs to Alabamians. As our economy is regaining strength, companies like Norfolk Southern recognize Alabama is a great place to do business,” said Governor Bentley at the ceremony. “This new terminal will enable goods to move more quickly throughout the country.” – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, June 6, 2011 

"I'm excited about the jobs this project will bring to Fayette County and Tennessee. My administration continues to focus on making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, and this project is indicative of why one of our target industry clusters for job growth is transportation, logistics, and distribution." – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, April 29, 2011

“This report outlines what's at stake if we fail to invest to meet the growing demands on our transportation infrastructure. This includes the roads, rails, and seaports we need to move raw materials and goods to market and keep our economy globally competitive. As the gateway to the Northeast, Pennsylvania gets more than our share of truck traffic. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of six states -- along with Arkansas, California, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas -- that collectively account for 88 percent of the most heavily used truck routes." – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, July 8, 2010, commenting on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) report, Unlocking Freight

"Intermodal terminals like the one Norfolk Southern broke ground on today are proven centers for investment, infrastructure improvement, and business growth. The improvements being made to Exit 3 on I-81 are a perfect example of this. I have long supported investment in freight rail because it's efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. I have no doubt that this facility will open a new chapter in Pennsylvania's proud railroading history and create new opportunities for growth here in Franklin County and beyond." – Congressman Bill Shuster, Oct. 19, 2010

"There is no doubt that this type of integrated logistics hub creates good jobs, generates revenue, and provides substantial environmental benefit. Pennsylvania has invested heavily in freight rail because it is a smart, environmentally friendly, cost-effective infrastructure investment. I will continue to advocate for rail freight investments at the state and national level." – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, Oct. 19, 2010

"The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner, along with Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, in making this historic project a reality. The Heartland Corridor will reduce highway congestion and fuel consumption, while improving air quality and transportation safety. For too long, rail has been the forgotten mode, but today's celebration shows it is more indispensable than ever as an integral part of our national transportation system. On behalf of President Obama and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, we congratulate Norfolk Southern on its completion and inauguration." - Joseph C. Szabo, administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Sept. 9, 2010

“Rail is an economic asset to our country, and it means a great deal to my home state of West Virginia.  Jobs, jobs, and jobs.  That's what we're talking about here. And we're also talking about a cleaner and more efficient environment for our people at the same time.  And it is just a tremendous opportunity for us to be more competitive on a national scene, something we must tackle head on.” - West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall, Aug. 2, 2010

 “For cleaner air, less highway congestion, less roadway wear and tear, and most important, for steady economic growth, rail is the transportation choice for the future. It speaks volumes for all the partners and for the evolving concept of transportation public-private partnerships that the Heartland Corridor has been completed on-time, safely, and exactly as promised.  That’s the West Virginia way, and that’s the Norfolk Southern way.” - West Virginia State Senator Robert H. Plymale, Sept. 13, 2010

“The Heartland Corridor will significantly advance Virginia’s economy and transportation network. This project will improve the economic competitiveness of the Port of Virginia and spur economic development in Southside and Southwest Virginia through new intermodal facilities.  The strong partnership between Norfolk Southern and the Commonwealth continues to move Virginia into the future.” - Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton, Sept. 9, 2010

“Having the Heartland Corridor project really is a win for Virginia. It's a win for the environment. It's a win for removing congestion from our highways.  And because the model has been a public/private, it has shown our ability to leverage our very limited public funds with those private funds from Norfolk Southern.” - Virginia Senator Mark R. Warner, Aug. 2, 2010

“A modern, high-quality freight rail network is vital to Alabama’s economic development achievements and environmental initiatives. Norfolk Southern’s multi-state Crescent Corridor is expected to create more than 8,000 jobs in Alabama and eliminate nearly 600,000 long-haul trucks from Alabama’s highways annually. We support Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor efforts as it will ensure that Alabama is connected to national and global markets.” – Former Alabama Governor Bob Riley

“Long-haul truck traffic congestion is a growing problem along Interstate 95, and Delaware is no exception… The Crescent Corridor will help change this dynamic by diverting long-haul trucks currently traveling through Delaware to rail.” – Delaware Governor Jack A. Markell

“I firmly believe the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Program presents one of the most effective and immediate ways to alleviate congestion by diverting long-haul truck through-traffic off interstates 85, 20, and 59, and on to the corridor’s parallel rail route.” – Georgia State Senator Jeff Mullis

“Mississippi is pleased to participate in this five-state effort, through the Crescent Corridor, to improve the national freight transportation network, and I am enthusiastic about the economic development opportunities it will bring. Working together in a partnership with Norfolk Southern, we are laying the groundwork for thousands of new jobs in logistics at a critical time for the American economy.” – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour

“By expanding the realm of viable transportation options beyond the highway, shipping companies and commuters alike will be able to enjoy a more efficient, effective, and reliable transportation network that fosters economic prosperity, furthers environmental stewardship efforts, and strengthens the quality of life throughout communities.” – U.S. Representative Scott Garrett (N..J.)

“Rail freight is an important component of any transportation infrastructure discussion. The Crescent Corridor will create good jobs, generate revenue, and help reduce highway congestion. In fact, it has the best potential to divert freight off I-81 and our highways. Pennsylvania has invested heavily in rail freight because it is a smart, environmentally friendly, cost-effective infrastructure investment.” – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell

“The Greater Memphis Region is home to the world’s largest cargo airport and one of the nation’s biggest cargo river ports. The Crescent Corridor and the Memphis intermodal terminal will expand the role of freight rail, further enhancing our competitiveness and spurring economic growth.” – Former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen

“Existing transportation resources cannot deal with the ever- increasing needs of our nation’s freight transportation network. The Crescent project will provide a new freight corridor to remove over 1 million trucks a year from our already strained national interstate system, and do so in a timely, environmentally friendly, and altogether cheaper way.”  – Former West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III

"It was fantastic working with them. It’s still fantastic. Norfolk Southern did everything they said they were going to do, and then more. They went out of their way to do things to help us.” – Mayor Joe Jekins, Austell, Ga.

“We need this investment in Jefferson County. All of us believe it to be important. And we want the people of our cities individually and collectively to understand that we feel that way.” – Mayors George Gantte of Dandridge, Darrell Helton of Jefferson City, Stanley Wilder of White Pine, Mike Keane of Baneberry, and Charles Guinn of New Market, Tenn.

“The Crescent Corridor will help significantly expand commerce through the Port of Norfolk. I am proud to have supported this investment, which will create jobs and boost our local economy.” – Former U.S. Congressman Glenn Nye, Virginia

“Investing in rail freight pays big dividends for our economy and the environment. Over the next 10 years, the Crescent Corridor could mean up to 26,000 jobs created or enhanced in Pennsylvania. Moving freight off of our highways eases congestion and saves pavement wear and tear. And we cut greenhouse gases.” – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell

“Pennsylvania has invested heavily in rail freight because it is a smart, environmentally friendly, cost-effective infrastructure investment.” – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell

“…the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project appears to be a key national freight corridor and intermodal link essential to enhancing Pennsylvania and the nation’s global competitiveness in the 21st Century.” – Mayor Stephen R. Reed, Harrisburg, Pa.

“We can use (freight) rail to reduce traffic, reduce the pounding our highways get from trucks, cut the greenhouse gas emissions and do economic development.” – Rep. David McCluskey, West Hartford, Conn.

“As freight congestion increases, so does the cost it imposes on motorists, our economy, and the environment. Fortunately, the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project will reverse that trend within the state.” – Mayor Melvin Mack, Laurel, Miss.

“…we look forward to the start of operations at the intermodal center and the jobs and tax revenue it will generate for our communities.” – Mayors Mike Ragsdale of Knox Co., Larry Waters of Sevier Co., Mark Hipsher of Grainger Co., Iliff McMahan of Cocke Co., and David Purkey of Hamblen Co., Tenn.

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