GRANT SUMMARY

Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker) and its subconsultant, TranSystems Corporation (TranSystems) were first retained by the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority for the purpose of obtaining funds for the purchase of land. Companion studies pertaining to the development of an intermodal facility and market conditions ("Southeast Arkansas- Facing the Challenge", August 1997, prepared by the Planning and Research Division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department; and "A Target Industry Study for Southeast Arkansas", December 1998, prepared by the Institute for Economic Advancement, University of Arkansas at Little Rock) were reviewed in detail. The Baker/TranSystems team then assembled data and information for use in developing the grant application to formally apply for funds from the Economic Development of Arkansas Fund Commission.

The grant application was prepared integrating the following information:

• Current cargo traffic data generated by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department
• An understanding of the local railroad carrierŐs future plans and how they will affect the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facility development
• A knowledge of the emerging north-south rail corridor in the "Americas" (Central and South America) and how it will relate to the facility
• National standards for intermodal facility development
• Job creation potential of an intermodal facility in Southeast Arkansas

The grant application was submitted to the Economic Development of Arkansas Fund Commission on July 20, 2000. On September 13, 2000, John Vickerman (TranSystems) made a presentation to the Commission on behalf of the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority explaining the most significant points of developing the facility. The Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority was awarded $600,000.

Following the grant award, Baker and TranSystems were retained by the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority to:

• Determine the approximate size needed for a regional transportation center and identify and evaluate feasible sites
• Identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts for a site(s) as directed by the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority, and used as foundational material for environmental documentation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
• Provide a Master Site Plan showing major facilities, supporting infrastructure, and industrial sites
• Develop a recommended phased construction plan with cost estimates
• Develop a marketing plan for the proposed complex
• Prepare the necessary framework for the development of a Foreign Trade Zone or Subzone for the proposed facility
• Assist in the administration of various engineering, planning, design and construction activities
• Identify key issues for success
• Perform coordination activities
• Provide a basic Project Web Site

For direct information about this project please call a board member or contact:

John H. Smith, Project Manager
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
2925 Layfair Drive
Jackson, MS 39208-9507
Phone: 601-933-6221
Fax: 601-933-6206
Email: jhsmith@mbakercorp.com