Livability Principles

This project aligns with all six of the Livability Principles developed by the DOT/HUD/EPA “Partnership for Sustainable Communities” by improving mobility and livability as follows:

1. Providing alternative transportation choices | Improves safety and reduces highway congestion by creating efficient freight rail transportation options (as opposed to exclusively truck transport) for port cargo, thereby reducing truck miles traveled by more than 3.1 billion miles and eliminating approximately 30 at-grade rail crossings.  Also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil by eliminating over 460 million tons of carbon emissions, reducing over 790 tons of nitrogen oxides, reducing over 170 tons of particulate matter and saving nearly 400 million gallons of fuel.

2. Promoting equitable, affordable, housing | Provides approximately 72 acres of developable property in areas where low-income, minority, and disadvantaged communities need affordable housing. 

3.  Enhancing economic competitiveness | Saves over $218 million in shipper and logistics costs, significantly increases freight capacity, promotes the development of larger regional distribution hubs for major retailers and shippers in the region and significantly increases the regional and national market access potential for the Port of Charleston.

4. Supporting existing communities | Creates more than 1,853 job-years, $102.1 million in labor income, and $143.3 million in value added at the national-level.  This project replaces older rail infrastructure, avoids nearly $125 million in pavement maintenance costs, and provides more than $70 million in congestion cost savings. 

5. Coordinating policies and leverage investments | Supports local plans for zoning and land use changes that will result in the establishment of mixed use districts, affordable housing provisions, corridor overlay districts, and minimum lot size and setback requirements, allowing new development to be compatible with existing neighborhood fabric and optimizing the area’s redevelopment potential.   In total, the City, CSX, and Shipyard Creek are committing to $1.6 million in matching funds for this grant funding request, or approximately 53% of the requested grant funds.  The City will also contribute approximately $250,000 in in-kind labor, supplies, and materials.

6. Valuing communities and neighborhoods | Supports ongoing community redevelopment efforts by improving local connectivity and mobility.  By reconfiguring, consolidating, and abandoning rail lines and creating an efficient and multifunctional intermodal facility, additional port-related congestion will be minimized.  The initial intermodal and rail investments will directly impact surrounding communities by reconnecting neighborhoods, eliminating approximately 30 rail crossings, opening the door for improved economic conditions, creating additional opportunities for affordable housing and residential development, and supporting public investments in transportation and green space.