Rolling future: The impacts of containerization and intermodal freight facilities on economic development in urban areas with emphasis on New York State

Containerized freight shipments within the United States are rapidly coming to a crisis point as the volume threatens to overwhelm the existing transportation and distribution infrastructure. A combination of changing business practices utilizing containerized and intermodal freight and shippers from Asia and Europe using the United States as a shortcut between the two continents are fueling this increase in containerized freight. While this presents challenges for the future, it also presents opportunities for communities to take advantage of a growing industry. By utilizing intermodal freight facilities, some communities can tap into this growth and redirect it towards their own economies. This is especially true for communities within New York State.; By creating, expanding and maintaining existing intermodal freight infrastructure, communities can experience many positives. These include job growth, reduction in traffic congestion and pollution, and increased competitiveness from local businesses. However, some negatives that are associated with intermodal facilities counterbalance these positives. Traffic congestion and pollution can increase locally in neighborhoods, road wear can increase, and cash-strapped municipalities may be hard pressed to meet these added costs. The decision to locate an intermodal freight facility within a community should not to be taken lightly by planners or policy makers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...