Bethlehem Steel Corporation
For Immediate Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa., August 9, 1999 -- The new BethIntermodal terminal at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's brownfields development here was officially opened today, "setting the stage for the City of Bethlehem to become a leading rail hub for the northeastern United States," said Curtis H. Barnette, chairman and chief executive officer, Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
The intermodal terminal, owned by Bethlehem Steel, is designed for the unloading and continued shipment of trailers and containerized freight. The terminal is the first major new operation to open in the Bethlehem Commerce Center, a 1,600-acre tract of land being revitalized by its owner, Bethlehem Steel. The Bethlehem Commerce Center is dedicated to light and heavy industrial uses, manufacturing and assembling, warehousing, and commercial and office space.
The opening of the terminal "will lead to the creation of other businesses at the site over the next few years. As the rail business expands, other companies that use these services will be attracted to the site, setting off a chain reaction of economic development for Bethlehem," said Mr. Barnette.
The Bethlehem Steel chairman said that the first year of operation of the intermodal terminal will create more than 100 full-time jobs and, as traffic and development progresses, more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created over the next seven to ten years. The terminal currently encompasses 60 acres, but is expected to expand to 200 acres in the next few years as rail volume increases.
"The BethIntermodal rail terminal presents sizeable opportunities to our community to increase its tax base and job base while making excellent use of land served by Class 1 rail carriers. We hope this is the start of something very special for our region," he said.
Norfolk Southern, one of the largest railroads in the nation, is the first customer of the new BethIntermodal facility to provide more service options to its customers. Norfolk Southern operates over 21,600 route miles of track in 22 states east of the Mississippi River. Top Norfolk Southern officials, including David Goode, chairman and chief executive officer, were on hand for today's opening ceremonies.
Mr. Barnette credited the public/private partnership with all levels of government that helped create a business and economic environment conducive to development. He also cited the effectiveness of Pennsylvania's Act 2 legislation, also known as the brownfields law, that encourages the development of former industrial properties.
In addition to Norfolk Southern officials, also joining Mr. Barnette in opening the terminal were: Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development, Samuel McCullough; 15th Congressional District Congressman, Pat Toomey; Don Cunningham, Mayor, City of Bethlehem; Glenn Reibman, County Executive, Northampton County; Lisa Boscola, State Senator, 18th Pennsylvania State Senatorial District; and Steve Samuelson, Representative, 135th Pennsylvania State House District.
The Bethlehem Commerce Center, which includes the BethIntermodal terminal, and the Bethlehem Works projects comprise 1,800 acres of land that were used for Bethlehem Steel steelmaking and finishing facilities. The Bethlehem Works project, at the western edge of the tract, comprises 163 acres for entertainment, recreation, retail and cultural activities. The remaining acreage, which is being actively marketed to industrial clients, also contains forging, machining and rollmaking operations now owned by WHEMCO as well as other industrial clients.
