Ohio River Site Offers Rare Convergence of Rail, Water and Highway

The number of sites where river and rail meet is small, maybe half a dozen in Ohio. The 60-acre Powhatan #7 site on the Ohio River is a level riverfront site with 10 existing barge cells, rail access, and excellent truck access via Ohio Route 7 to St. Clairsville/Wheeling (I-470/I-70). This uncommon triple transportation offering is especially attractive to manufacturers and the oil and gas industry."

Ohio River offers cheapest transport of bulk materials

Water transport is the most fuel-efficient, safest and environmentally responsible way to move freight. It costs approximately 40% less to move goods by barge than rail, and 73% less than by truck. River transportation is especially advantageous for users with high-volume loads.

OEC and APEG grants advance Powhatan #7 site readiness

Ohio's Electric Cooperatives, South Central Power, and APEG awarded grants to conduct a comprehensive barge cell inspection, evaluate the feasibility of using helical pile foundations, and complete wetlands delineation, endangered species assessment, and cultural resources literature review on Powhatan #7.

Powhatan #7 site has size, riverfront and rail access

Jason Hamman, economic development consultant for Monroe County Port Authority, says, "The most likely end-user of the Powhatan #7 site is an energy, chemical, or plastics manufacturer that can make use of the site's unique attributes." The 60-acre waterfront site has flat topography and proximity to key shale development facilities. The site is located in an Opportunity Zone, Enterprise Zone, and has a TIF that could be utilized.

River and rail open up more options

Most companies involved in production, manufacturing, and distribution use rail to transport raw materials. While rail serves a lot more places, river transport offers another option. Preliminary engineering studies indicate it would be relatively simple to add a siding track to the Powhatan #7 site.

Find your new location in Ohio

Rural sites with reliable and affordable energy and easy access to suppliers and customers are available throughout the territories served by Ohio's 25 local electric cooperatives. If your organization is searching for waterfront, oil and gas, or manufacturing expansion sites, contact OEC's Dennis Mingyar at (614) 430-7876 or [email protected].

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IAMC Professional Forum Spring 2019
Santa Barbara, CA
May 4 - 8, 2019

Buckeye Power and Ohio's Electric Cooperatives can help with:

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