(The following story by Chris Walsh appeared on the Rocky Mountain News website on October 9.)
DENVER, Colo. — A long-planned, oft-delayed cargo and transportation hub east of Denver is in another holding pattern as developers look to negotiate an agreement to bring rail service to the area.
The Schuck Corp., which is spearheading the multibillion-dollar project, is trying to hammer out a deal to connect the development to one of Union Pacific’s major train lines. The firm initially hoped to have something in place months ago, but negotiations have taken longer than expected.
Schuck officials are confident they’ll be able to cement an agreement, possibly in the next month.
Until then, though, “we can’t really move forward,” said Bill Schuck of the Schuck Corp. “There’s not much we can do right now.”
Nailing down rail service is crucial, as it will allow developers to sign up the first tenants. The initial phase of the so-called TransPort development involves building a business park capable of linking as many as 100 companies to Union Pacific’s KP line.
Businesses “don’t want to be in a position where they’re building something under the assumption we’re going to get a deal done,” Schuck said. “They want a commitment.”
Schuck declined to discuss details of the negotiations, but stressed that there’s nothing at this point that would derail an agreement. A Union Pacific official said the company remains interested in a deal.
Some observers are skeptical that the project will get off the ground anytime soon. While holdups are common in large projects, it’s been more than a decade since plans were laid down for a development like TransPort on the land. And Union Pacific previously expressed interest in moving its Denver rail yard to TransPort but is now strongly considering Fort Lupton.
The Schuck Corp. envisions TransPort as a hub for companies shipping and receiving cargo by air, road and rail. The proposed 5,000-acre site straddles Aurora and Adams County, bordered by Interstate 70 and Front Range Airport.
The project took a big step forward last year when Aurora officials approved TransPort’s development plans. Bob Watkins, Aurora’s planning director, said he hasn’t heard much from developers since then, but added that city officials remain optimistic.
“I think everybody’s expectation is that this project will go forward,” Watkins said.
TransPort also could gain legs if it gets a massive racetrack under consideration by International Speedway Corp.