June 2006
Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Fast Fact

KC is the No. 2 rail center in the United States.

Interstate Systems Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Federal legislation was signed 50 years ago this month to begin one of the biggest engineering projects ever undertaken - the U.S. Interstate Highway System. The system dramatically changed the way we move people and freight. It revved our economy.

On June 23, a caravan touring across the United States will stop at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., to reflect and celebrate our region's link in this important interstate system. Learn more.

KC SmartPort Attends NASCO Conference

More than $191 billion moves along the North American Super Corridor (NASCO), which stretches from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico. KC is the center point along the corridor and has played an important role in connecting the three countries and facilitating trade.
 
Last month, Al Figuly presented KC SmartPort's presentation at the annual NASCO conference in Winnipeg. Figuly discussed KC's initiatives to further promote and assist companies and shippers with trade through KC.

BNSF Steams Ahead

BNSF Railway Co. is moving ahead with plans to build a new intermodal facility and logistics park near Gardner, Kan. The new park will be only the third park of its kind in the nation and promises huge economic benefits for the Kansas City region.

BNSF plans to develop more than 1,300 acres south of Gardner with a still to be determined development partner. The development will create more than $330 million in new property taxes. It will also generate $190 million in new tax revenue for the Unified School District and more than $58 million in new tax revenue for the city of Gardner. More than 12,000 new jobs are slated for area residents. Learn more about the economic impact of BNSF's logistics park in KC.

KC Leads the Nation in Supply Chain Security

KC SmartPort and its partners are leading the nation in testing a mix of technologies that can track the location and integrity of freight moving across the country. After tracking several test truck shipments this past year, KC SmartPort is now starting to test rail shipments. Learn more about the results and KC's leadership in this initiative.

INVESTOR PROFILE: Ruan Transport

Ruan Transport understands it's in business because of its customers. Ruan works with each customer to analyze their individual situation and goals. It then provides tailored, measurable supply chain initiatives to help the company obtain those goals. Ruan offers numerous supply chain solutions, including dedicated contract carriage, bulk carriage, logistics management, certified brokerage services and warehouse management.

For more information, please visit RUAN or call (866) RUAN NOW.