1 of 2 intermodal hubs in Flint taking off - watch ABC12's coverage

Construction under way next
to Bishop International Airport

By By Gabe Gutierrez | ABC12
August 5, 2008

FLINT (WJRT) -- One of Flint's two planned intermodal transportation hubs is taking off. Construction is under way next to Bishop International Airport.

You may have seen it if you've driven down Bristol Road. You might have also seen the TV ads. It will be the site for FedEx's new sorting facility.

The company plans to move in by February of next year.

It's been in the works for years.

"It takes time," said Bishop Airport Director Jim Rice.

Rice says the biggest challenge is behind him.

"Just the coordination of the contractors, getting one thing done before another part of the project could start," he said.

But it's started. FedEx's new sorting facility is just one phase of a $33 million project. The planned freight center is expected to bring hundreds of jobs.

"Most times people want to hear about the jobs but what we really need to put our attention on is the infrastructure," said Stan Blood with the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"If we put the right pieces in place, I believe the jobs will follow."

An intermodal hub moves cargo from one form of transportation to another.

"When we opened this airport, there was only about 60,000 pounds of freight a year being hauled," Rice said. "Last year, we were close to 60 million pounds of freight."

Rice says he hopes more will follow FedEx and take advantage of Bishop's location either by land, rail or air.

This isn't the only so-called intermodal project in the works. About a year ago, local officials announced plans for another hub on the former Buick City property in Flint.

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