New operations group for South Georgia railroad

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May 10, 2012

New operations group for South Georgia railroad

Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI The Tifton Gazette Thu May 10, 2012, 09:43 PM EDT

NASHVILLE — The Berrien County Development Authority met Tuesday morning in the council meeting room of the Berrien County Administration Building to announce the new operations group, CaterParrott Railnet, LLC of Tifton, for the state-owned railroad. Plans on the future of the railroad and ongoing repairs were discussed.

Several local and state dignitaries attended the meeting — Steve Sumner, chairman of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners; Mary Alice McGee, executive director of the Berrien County Development Authority; Robert Griner, chairman of the Berrien County Development Authority; Jay Shaw, Georgia Department of Transportation state board member; State Rep. Tony McBrayer; State Rep. Jason Shaw and State Rep. Penny Houston.

Tifton Mayor Jamie Cater and Tifton City Councilman Chris Parrott also attended the meeting. They are the co-CEOs of CaterParrott Railnet, LLC, which is a five-year old business. Cater stated in the meeting that he and Parrott have been involved in the railroad business for about 12 years. He noted that they started the Tifton Terminal Museum in Tifton in the year of 2000.

He and Parrott said they’re excited about taking over as the operators of the state-owned railroad that starts out of Valdosta and ends in Willacoochee — 43 miles long.

“We give all our thanks to the Lord. You all had a part in it,” Cater said to the group. “Jay, you never gave up.”

He stated that it took about 10 months to put all the pieces together. He said the railroad is important to him and Parrott.

“We love railroads. It’s going to be a new day and a great time in Georgia. We are very regional,” Cater stated. “We are going to work hard and do everything we say we’re going to do. The T-SPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) must pass. It’s not just another penny. It keeps Georgia on the map.”

Parrott added, “This is our passion. Customer focus is the top priority. We’re excited and ready to get to work.”

McGee told the crowd that it’s a great day for Berrien County businesses and industries. She noted that with the recent problems of engines stalling and several other problems with the railroad, they were not alone. She said Jay Shaw has been with them all the way to reach their goal to take care of their industries. She commented that state representatives and other local officials were supportive as well.

“It’s critical to have good railroad services,” Sumner said.

He stated that the Berrien County DOT Board is one of the best boards, not just because of their work with the railroad, but because they’re down-to-earth.

Sumner said the bottom line question to how they were going to fix the railroad was, “Where do we find the money?”

He explained that the railroad’s last operators of 10 years weren’t maintaining it. Last March, he and other industry leaders in the Berrien County community went to Atlanta and met with the DOT and laid out their problems, he said.

“Penny and I were concerned about going on with our industries,” Jay Shaw stated. “The railroad was in shambles and the operators were not taking care of it. The line wasn’t functional. We were frustrated.”

He added about the railroad, “This is a true regional project from Douglas to the Florida line. It became an economic development issue.”

Jay Shaw said within two or three weeks, work will begin on the railroad. Sumner stated that $4.7 million has been allocated from the state to repair the existing railroad; the line is being subsidized by the state. He stated that this money will be used to replace the worst damages. He noted that a trestle is currently being built.

“We originally estimated spending $20 million to bring the railroad up to a level 2 railroad,” Sumner said.

He also stated that if the T-SPLOST is passed, an additional $7.5 million would go directly towards the railroad, which would help bring in jobs. He noted that T-SPLOST Chairman Ashley Paulk of Lowndes County was a key driver in this.

He said the line will go through Moody Air Force Base as well, which could be a big plus for them.

“We have a plan and we have stuck with it,” Sumner said.

He stated that he’s delighted that Cater and Parrott have taken over the railroad as operators, which was the main reason for the meeting. He said they will be able to move the cars up and down the line.

He stated that they currently have five customers and products are delivered about two days a week. He said they’re interested in keeping their current customers and making sure they get everything they need. However, they don’t mind expanding.

“We plan to grow it,” Cater said. “We will be right in the ground with the current five customers, but we expect to grow it and we look forward to it.”

Cater and Parrott will take over as operators June 1. Parrott said it will be a smooth transition. There will be a new rail manager, but Carol Comer is the current director, Jay Shaw said.

Houston stated, “We need this for south Georgia. It will provide more jobs.”

Jason Shaw added after thanking Berrien County for making the railroad a priority, “It’s the life blood of some of our industries in the region. You can look at the rail line and see that it’s in bad shape.”

Jay Shaw was pleased to see that even though McBrayer will not be seeking re-election, he still attended the meeting. He stated that it shows a lot about his character.

“I appreciate everyone’s diligence,” McBrayer said to the group.

Local businessmen also thanked the board for their diligence and stated that they are looking forward to the impact.

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