Statements of Support


Ohio


"This is a major competitive advantage that can greatly benefit the citizens of Ohio, and the state of Ohio is committed to doing its part to help build this sort of needed infrastructure�In doing so, we'll also be setting an example for other states around the nation."
- Governor Ted Strickland: Toledo Blade, "CSX announces Wood County terminal as part of bigger plan" (May 1, 2008)

"The National Gateway project would build a new rail terminal in North Baltimore, OH, and expand intermodal capacity in Columbus, creating thousands of new jobs. I look forward to working with the Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania delegations to make this partnership a reality."
- Statement by Senator George Voinovich, The United States Senate, June 8, 2008

"By providing the necessary capacity, facilities and equipment for highly efficient rail service, the National Gateway protects our ability to serve customers in this state and across the nation� We believe the National Gateway will enhance our ability to meet the needs of our customers and urge you to support public funding for this infrastructure development initiative."
- Harold A. Wilson, Sr. Vice President, Big Lots!

"Safe, secure and efficient transportation systems are essential to our business and our nation's economic viability. We believe the National Gateway is critical to these efforts and urge you to support public funding for this infrastructure development initiative."
- John R. Ness, president, ODW Logistics


Pennsylvania


"The National Gateway project is important for America's competitiveness as well... This helps the environment, it helps our economy, it helps us in so many different ways."
- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, December 5, 2008

"The National Gateway will create thousands of new jobs and augment our nation's ability to deliver manufactured goods to world markets. By providing new freight transportation options, the National Gateway will save over $2 billion in shipping cost annually. We urge you to support this important infrastructure initiative."
- David Buschner, president, Trailer Transport Systems, Inc.

"Upgrading our nation's freight rail infrastructure will improve reliability and provide the efficient service the supply chain demands. We view the National Gateway as a significant benefit for Pennsylvania and our membership and urge you to support public funding for this infrastructure development initiative."
- Dewitt Pearl, president, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance


West Virginia


"The CSX National Gateway corridor will help reduce CO2 emissions and enhance rail transportation infrastructure to reduce congestion at three east coast ports� As a country we must address the necessary long-term funding that is needed to ensure our place in the global economy."
- West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III


Maryland


"By investing in a more efficient freight rail network for our country, the National Gateway can, in a very meaningful way, help address serious concerns about the economy, U.S. competitiveness, congestion, highway safety and maintenance, global warming, clean air and energy efficiency."
- Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley

"We write to express our support for the National Gateway initiative, and to urge you to work to secure federal funding for the project in next year's surface transportation authorizing legislation� The National Gateway would provide environmental, economic development and congestion relief benefits across a six-state area, including substantial benefits that would accrue specifically to Maryland."
- Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of the Maryland Senate and Michael E. Busch, Speaker of the Maryland House

"The National Gateway would augment our region's ability to deliver manufactured goods to national and world markets, significantly improve the movement of goods from the Port of Baltimore, and address the limitations on double stacking that exist in the tunnels of our current rail system."
- Donald C. Fry, president and CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee

"Expanding capacity on our nation's railways will bolster environmental health and promote economic growth. Given these advantages, the National Gateway anticipates benefits of $16 for every $1 of public money invested. Specifically, the project will deliver over $850 million of public benefits for Maryland."
- Kathleen T. Snyder, president and CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce

"We value our partnership with Maryland and view it as important to our future� By providing the necessary capacity, facilities and equipment for highly efficient rail service, the National Gateway protects our ability to serve our customers in your state and beyond."
- Wesley J. Brunson, president, Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp.


Virginia


"The upcoming surface transportation authorization should include dedicated, long-term funding for the combined intercity and southeast high-speed passenger rail initiatives, as well as the Norfolk-Southern Crescent Corridor and the CSX National Gateway freight rail initiatives."
- Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine

"The National Gateway will create a state-of-the-art rail corridor between the Mid-Atlantic's international ports and the Midwest's manufacturing centers through use of double-stack trains. By providing the necessary capacity, facilities and equipment for highly efficient rail service, the National Gateway protects our ability to serve customers in your state and beyond."
- Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA), Inc.

"Upgrading our nation's freight rail infrastructure will improve reliability and provide the efficient service the supply chain demands. We view the National Gateway as a significant benefit for nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, for Hampton Roads and our membership and urge you to support federal funding for this important infrastructure development initiative."
- E. Dana Dickens, III, president and CEO, Hampton Roads Partnership


North Carolina


"The National Gateway and its double-stack clearance projects will help ensure that East Coast ports are ready for the growth in cargo likely to occur once the Panama Canal is widened in 2015."
- North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue

"In this time of economic uncertainty, we must take full advantage of these public-private investments in infrastructure to stimulate our economy and delivery high-paying jobs� The double-stack clearances and density that the National Gateway allows will drastically expand North Carolina and the Port of Wilmington's market access potential."
- James W. Crawford, Jr., North Carolina Representative, 32nd District

"We believe the National Gateway will significantly enhance our ability to provide premier container transport services to our customers and urge you to support public funding for this infrastructure development initiative."
- John J. Nardi, senior vice president, corporate operations, Hapag-Lloyd