CSX Integrated Logistics Center - Winter Haven, FL - Gains Final Approval

On Thursday December 4, 2008 the Department of Community Affairs Secretary Thomas Pelham approved the development order and agreement for the controversial CSX Integrated Logistics Center - a 318 acre state-of-the art facility designed to facilitate transfer of containerized consumer goods via rail and truck. Barring any further appeal, it looks like construction will begin sometime in 2009.

If this project sounds big, it is. In fact, some State officials are calling it "The Mother of All Rail Yards."

The city of Winter Haven signed a deal in September 2007 with the company and sold CSX the land for $22,000 per acre. CSX also has the option to purchase 930 acres adjacent to its currently planned site.

Some here in Winter Haven are relatively happy with this latest stage of approval, while others have clear cut issues with the CSX project and its projected benefits for the Winter Haven community.

I suppose time will tell. For me, a for sure net gain of 2,000 jobs in our town ain't bad.