Governor Nathan Deal made the trip down to Crisp County on Wednesday and signed a memorandum of understanding, creating an ‘inland port’ in Cordele. The agreement is a partnership between the Georgia Ports Authority and Cordele Intermodal Services that makes a direct rail line between Cordele and the port of Savannah.

Cordele Intermodal will be the rail drop-off point for goods heading to Savannah, allowing for shorter truck trips and shipping savings. In addition to the business benefits, Deal says the rail line will also alleviate truck traffic on state routes and county roads between I-75 and Savannah.

Curtis Foltz, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority, said the new line is  “a magnet for new opportunities for companies to locate here to be more competitive globally.”

The inland port agreement is effective for 10 years starting immediately and running through 2023.

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