Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin: 2010 Wisconsin Freight Rail Week is October 4-10

CONTACT:

Craig Thompson, Executive Director

Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

(608) 256-7044

Freight Rail Industry is Important Partner in High-Speed Passenger Rail

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle has officially proclaimed October 4-10 as Wisconsin Freight Rail Week. In his proclamation, Governor Doyle salutes the 12 railroads that serve Wisconsin – including four major (Class I) railroads – and he honors freight rail for contributing to the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.

The proclamation includes a special acknowledgment of the fourth annual Wisconsin Freight Railroad Day, which will be hosted by Wisconsin railroads on October 4 in Milwaukee.

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is promoting Wisconsin Freight Rail Week by publicizing the key role that railroads play in the state’s economy.

“Freight rail provides a low-cost alternative to over-the-road transport of commodities such as concrete, wood products and coal that are essential to many industries in Wisconsin,” says TDA executive director Craig Thompson. “It is also plays an important role in Wisconsin’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to bring high-speed rail to the state.”

Freight rail is often a significantly more efficient way to ship a wide variety of commodities, especially when cost savings and environmental benefits are considered. One intermodal train can carry 280 truck trailers, for example, which is the equivalent of more than 1,000 automobiles. In Wisconsin, freight railroads move more than 160 million tons of cargo annually.

For a copy of the governor’s proclamation, to download a special Web banner, or for more information on Wisconsin Freight Rail Week, click here: http://www.tdawisconsin.org/freight_week.iml. Please feel free to contact Craig Thompson, TDA executive director, at (608) 256-7044 with questions or to get in touch with a representative of Wisconsin railroads.

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is a statewide alliance representing more than 400 transportation stakeholders committed to working together for the best in transportation. TDA members include businesses, labor, units of government, and organizations, as well as individuals. For more information visit http://www.tdawisconsin.org or call (608) 256-7044.