For Immediate Release:

Friday, August 29, 2003

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray today announced that the Port of Quincy will receive a $3.5 million U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) low-interest loan to help support the second phase of the Port’s multi-modal facility.

The facility will provide a rail loop to agricultural facilities and the BNSF mainline that is vital for agricultural businesses to access and expand their markets.

Several retail distributors have indicated a strong interest in locating at the Quincy site once the multi-modal facility is complete.  This will mean jobs in an area plagued with high unemployment.

“Approval of the USDA loan is great news for the Port of Quincy,” Senator Murray said. “This project will help local growers and producers to ship their products faster and more cost effectively. By investing in projects like the multi-modal center we are developing the infrastructure to attract and support business in the future.”

Murray played a key role in helping the Port to secure the federal loan. Murray’s office worked with the Port to host a meeting in February during which the USDA was identified as a source of funding for the project. Senator Murray sent the USDA a letter strongly supporting the Port of Quincy’s loan request.

Senator Murray met with the Port of Quincy Commissioners and community leaders earlier this month to tour the future site of the multi-modal facility and to discuss her on-going support for the project.