Okaloosa County industrial site recognized as top railroad transportation spot

Olivia Wilson
·2 min read

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — An industrial site in Okaloosa County has been recognized as a top site for railroad transportation.

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CSX Select Site, a leading supplier in rail-based freight transportation in North America, has recognized Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite as a bronze-level “Select Site.”

The Gigasite, which has direct access to a “multi-modal transportation system (interstate, highway, rail),” was one of 19 sites nationwide that received the status.

“With a sizable footprint of industrial-zoned land located on I-10, U.S. Highway 90, and the Florida Gulf & Atlantic rail line, the Shoal River Ranch Gigasite is poised to accommodate leading employers who value multi-modal transportation connectivity,” One Okaloosa EDC Executive Director Nathan Sparks said.

“The CSX Select Site bronze certification provides an industry-recognized validation of our ability to support these businesses.”

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad (Courtesy: Okaloosa County)
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad (Courtesy: Okaloosa County)
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad (Courtesy: Okaloosa County)
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad (Courtesy: Okaloosa County)

According to CSX’s website, the “Select Sites” program “has been best in class for over a decade in identifying and certifying premium rail-served sites in the Eastern United States.”

CSX expanded its existing program in 2023, allowing for a partnership with Global Location Strategies to put certified sites into a searchable inventory.

“We are excited to receive this distinction and are proud of the work One Okaloosa EDC has done to achieve this national recognition,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said.

“This accomplishment acknowledges Shoal River Ranch’s potential and will help companies realize the opportunities for economic development and job creation in Okaloosa County.”

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Chosen sites will receive feedback on how to improve and are encouraged by CSX to continually improve their scores, according to the press release.

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