GREAT BEND -State, local and rail officials officially kicked off construction of the Great Bend Transload Facility on Wednesday at a ground-breaking ceremony, according to a media release.

The shipping center, which will be constructed west of Great Bend at the airport, will provide the infrastructure necessary to move goods from one mode of transportation to another, or, in this case, from truck to rail and rail to truck.

“This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will benefit not only the city but the entire region. It creates opportunities for economic development, jobs and enhanced shipping efficiencies,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Mike King, who is also the Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. “It will have great benefits for farmers and manufacturers.”

Great Bend was selected for the transload facility last year by the
Transload Facility Site Analysis Selection Committee, which includes public and private sector representatives. The Kansas Department of Transportation will contribute $3 million to the $6.8 million project.

The consortium that developed the proposal for the facility comprises the city of Great Bend, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad (K&O), and Kansas Transload Services. Sherwood Companies of Oklahoma City will operate the facility, which is expected to be in operation by the end of the year.