2. Capital Metro Freight Obligations
Federal “Common Carrier” Obligations (administered by the Surface
Transportation Board) require Capital Metro to provide freight services to:
– Entities currently in existence on the rail line
– New entities that purchase/develop facilities on the rail line
Freight operations must be in compliance with Department of
Transportation and FRA regulations
– Packaging and placarding in accordance with DOT
– Train operation and track in accordance with FRA
3. New Freight Rail Customer Opportunity
Ethanol Distribution Facility near Decker Lane
– Ethanol Distribution Facility is proposed to be developed in Austin
– Volume = 400-500 train cars per month
– Expectation is this demand will more than double by 2020
Capital Metro Obligations
– Agency and it’s common carrier contractor (Watco) would be obligated to
serve the new customer
– Track infrastructure improvements (~$350,000 - $1.5 mm) required
– Funding alternatives are being evaluated
Capital Metro Benefits
– Estimate CMTA will net approximately $250,000 per year
4. Community Implications
Community Advantages
– Removes 35 – 40 Daily Tanker trucks from Highways
– Helps community improve air quality standards
– Creates new jobs
Community Concerns
– Will add to train traffic in this area
– Travis County has expressed concern about the shipment of this product
Other Considerations
– Federal mandates on ethanol blending requirements may change over time
– Consider alternative route via McNeil and Austin Junction
5. Project Timing
Current Target for implementation
– Optimistic: September 15, 2010
– More likely: February 2011
Facility Construction
– Six months to begin initial operation (12 month total build out)
– Includes track infrastructure improvements
6. Freight Rail Operations: Decker Transload Station
e
an
rLe
ck
De
Pro
pos
ed
Fac
ility
L oca
tion
Flint Hills Resources has
fuel storage tanks to convert
to ethanol storage
Decker Lane Siding is 15
track miles
West of Elgin Interlocker
7. Freight Rail Operations: Decker Transload Station
Decker Lane Siding is 15 track miles
West of Elgin Interlocker
Flint Hills Resources
(around bend) currently has
fuel storage tanks to convert
to ethanol storage
Decker Lane
