SAN ANGELO, Texas — The City of San Angelo Development Corporation announced Thursday it had entered into a public-private partnership with South Plains Lamesa Railroad (SPLRR) for the development of a rail port facility.
According to a COSADC press release, the facility will be located on a 180-acre tract east of Schwertner Road between FM 2105 and 50th Street.
The facility will connect the Texas Pacifico Transportation (TXPF) branch of the South Orient Rail line, which expands from Presidio, Mexico, up to the San Angelo Junction in Coleman County.
The sale to SPLRR closed in October and construction will begin before the end of the year. The initial operations are scheduled for January 2021.
“The relationship built between the City of San Angelo and South Plains Lamesa Railroad will deliver a major economic development service to San Angelo and the Concho Valley,” Michael Looney, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce vice president of economic development, said.
SPLRR was established in 1933, and owns and operates a rail port in Slaton. The track has expanded from its original five miles to more than 23 miles of track.
TXPF endorsed the San Angelo Rail Port operation and entered into a services agreement with SPLRR, according to the release.
"The City of San Angelo Development Corporation (COSADC) is proud to be a partner in the development of the San Angelo Rail Port by securing the property for the project and entering into a performance agreement with SPLRR that will operate and eventually own the facility,” Guy Andrews, COSADC economic development director, said.
SPLRR is currently entering into contracts with customers.
For information on the project and rail freight opportunities contact:
Shad Wisener, South Plains Lamesa Railroad general manager, 806-828-4841
Rodger Horton, Shea Transporting Consulting owner, 219-718-9267
Michael Looney, 325-234-3376.
