CSX Corporation said last week that it has proposed a property purchase agreement for consideration by the Winter Haven City Commission on January 23.

The agreement would be the first step in developing an Integrated Logistics Center (ILC) in Winter Haven, Florida, the first such facility in the Southeast.

The proposed ILC would include a truck, rail, and warehousing hub and terminal for the transfer and storage of containerized consumer goods.

"This is an ideal location to serve the rapidly growing Florida market," said Clarence Gooden, CSX chief commercial officer. "We are committed to integrating our facility plan with Winter Haven's standards and needs."

The 1,250-acre ILC would be located north of Old Bartow-Lake Wales Road and west of the CSX Transportation railroad tracks.

"This project will be a tremendous asset to our community," said David Greene, Winter Haven city manager. "As experiences with similar facilities have shown, the ILC could generate more than 8,000 jobs in Winter Haven and Polk County as companies establish nearby warehousing, manufacturing and logistics operations."

The ILC is being sited in cooperation with the State of Florida.

"Florida's growth management goals ensure the efficient movement of people and goods," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Denver Stutler, Jr. "The new logistics center should help reduce long-haul transportation costs for shippers and provide improved freight mobility."

Economic research shows that over a 10-year period, operations like the proposed ILC could produce more than $10 billion in economic activity and add $900 million in state and federal tax revenue.

As part of the site development, the city plans to redesign the waste water treatment plant operations that currently occupy the site.