MONROE - First steps are being taken in the consideration of a railroad spur connecting the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad's (WSOR) mainline corridor, north of 21st Street, to the Orchid plant at 350 21st St.
The Monroe City Council on Tuesday unanimously authorized the hiring of Via Rail Logistics, LLC, to perform railroad infrastructure design services, including a topographic survey.
Mayor Ron Marsh explained to the Community Improvement Committee in its meeting Tuesday night that the survey is the first necessary step.
Installing a spur off the railroad line would "help growth in our community," he said.
Marsh said a spur could lead to "developing a terminal" where other businesses would bring items to ship.
Committee chairman Chuck Schuringa said about three other businesses could benefit from the addition.
President of Via Rail, Benedetto Guido, outlined a proposal in a letter addressed to Anna Schramke, executive director of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC).
Via Rail first would meet with representatives of GCDC, WSOR and Orchid to ascertain needs and goals, as well as determine direction for design efforts.
Via Rail then would conduct a survey from the railroad corridor to the Orchid plant, which would serve as a base map for preliminary design.
The preliminary draft design would address the operational needs of the railroad and Orchid's shipping needs.
GCDC is requesting a 30 percent preliminary design along with an opinion of probable construction costs.
The fee for the services is $9,250. The services do not include final design, preparation of construction documents, bidding assistance or project management.
The proposed spur would run through private lands and then across 21st Street.
Orchid manufactures ballasts for light fixtures.
The Monroe City Council on Tuesday unanimously authorized the hiring of Via Rail Logistics, LLC, to perform railroad infrastructure design services, including a topographic survey.
Mayor Ron Marsh explained to the Community Improvement Committee in its meeting Tuesday night that the survey is the first necessary step.
Installing a spur off the railroad line would "help growth in our community," he said.
Marsh said a spur could lead to "developing a terminal" where other businesses would bring items to ship.
Committee chairman Chuck Schuringa said about three other businesses could benefit from the addition.
President of Via Rail, Benedetto Guido, outlined a proposal in a letter addressed to Anna Schramke, executive director of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC).
Via Rail first would meet with representatives of GCDC, WSOR and Orchid to ascertain needs and goals, as well as determine direction for design efforts.
Via Rail then would conduct a survey from the railroad corridor to the Orchid plant, which would serve as a base map for preliminary design.
The preliminary draft design would address the operational needs of the railroad and Orchid's shipping needs.
GCDC is requesting a 30 percent preliminary design along with an opinion of probable construction costs.
The fee for the services is $9,250. The services do not include final design, preparation of construction documents, bidding assistance or project management.
The proposed spur would run through private lands and then across 21st Street.
Orchid manufactures ballasts for light fixtures.