Spiritwood  (CSi)  Dignitaries and local economic development officials gathered Spiritwood rail-3Thursday morning  at the Spiritwood Energy Park Association’s (SEPA) railroad spur loop, to drive a  “Golden Spike,”  and mark completion of the rail loop.

Video of events airing on CSi TV 10, The Replay Channel and Onlline here.

The spike drive comes before the 99 megawatt coal-fired plant becomes official this weekend.

$10 million project that will provide rail access to the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy ethanol plant and future businesses that might locate in the SEPA property.
The event followed the SEPA Board of Directors meeting, and was part of the JSDC Board of Directors Meeting.

On hand were Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation, Counsel Joe Larson, Eric Larson from Great River Energy, bookeeper Tracey Pringle, along JSDC Board Member and the JSDC’s Vice President of Economic Development Holly Miller, and CEO Connie Ova.    CSi Video by Thomas Ravely


A program was held before the spike driving ceremony.

Spiritwood rail-1Connie Ova Welcomed those in attendance  and  passed along a “Thank You.” on behalf of SEPA.  Jamestown Mayor Katie spoke on behalf of City
and Stutsman County Commission Chariman Mark Klose spoke on behalf of County.

Mayor Andersen thanked the taxpayers of Jamestown and Stutsman County who made the project possible.

Mark Klose,who is also a member of the JSDC Board of Directors along with the Stutsman County Commission chairman, said businesses in the SEPA park would create wealth from the earth by converting coal into electricity, corn into fuel ethanol and barley into malt used to make beer at the adjacent Cargill Malt plant.

Following the ceremony the  Special JSDC Board of Directors Meeting was continued, to further discuss SEPA.

A full rail loop with east and west access and daily service from Jamestown was built directly off the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) mainline which crosses the northern edge of the real estate section.
Spiritwood rail

 

A rail loop will offer  service flexibility and transportation cost savings in comparison to a smaller ladder track or spur that most new businesses would be limited to.