BNSF Presents Awards to Short Lines

BNSF Railway presented achievement awards to three shortline railroads at the annual Shortline conference in Grapevine, Texas.

The Sacramento Valley Railroad in California, the Cimarron Valley Railroad in Kansas and the Stillwater Central Railroad in Oklahoma were recognized for their ability to develop new customers and increase volume while being good stewards in their communities.

By The Numbers: U.S. Rail Cargo.

Sacramento Valley Railroad, a Patriot Rail shortline, took over operation of the McClellan Business Park in March 2008 and since then has been providing customers with lumber, petroleum, aggregate and manufactured products. The shortline is on pace to double its traffic in 2010.

Cimarron Valley Railroad, a Western Group shortline, developed an innovative partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of the Southwest to provide a foundation for growth and develop new rail shippers across southwest Kansas.

Stillwater Central Railroad, part of the Watco Companies, helped to establish a successful transportation service at Stanley, N.D., and from Sapulpa to Stroud, Okla., with BNSF. The rail carriers are helping to meet the nation's energy needs through a pipeline-by-rail service and are helping to develop the Bakken shale reserves.

-- Contact Bill Mongelluzzo at bmongelluzzo@joc.com.