Cargill Rail Yard Project
November 2019 Status Update:
While we heard concerns shared by some neighbors and community residents at the August 27 Cedar Rapids City Council meeting regarding the building of the rail yard on the two farm parcels off Otis Road, we also heard from council members, community members, and other neighbors who expressed their support for this rail yard so that we can remain a vital partner in the community.
From the beginning of the rail yard planning process, we have had only two feasible location options: the Stewart Road property and the two farm parcels off Otis Road. Following the recent City Council decision to not take up a vote to approve an essential service designation for the two farm parcels, we are left with the option of seeking rezoning of the city-owned Stewart Road property and building the rail yard there.
We will continue to ask for input on how to reduce neighborhood impact and solicit feedback on specific design elements of the rail yard as we move through the rezoning process.
Cargill is committed to operating responsibly across the agriculture, food, industrial and financial markets we serve as we pursue our goal of being the global leader in nourishing people. At the heart of our business is the community we serve.
Employees at Cargill Cedar Rapids develop relationships by reaching out, contributing and volunteering to make the surrounding area as great as its people. Since Cargill began operating in Cedar Rapids 51 years ago, the company has been committed to the people of Cedar Rapids.
As a longtime member of the Cedar Rapids community, we want to design this rail yard project in a way that has the least impact as possible on the location and the area surrounding it, while providing a safe working environment for our employees stationed there. That has been our goal from the beginning. We want to work closely with City officials and those within the vicinity of the proposed location to achieve this.
Please continue to visit this website for updates on the project.
Thank you,
Dan Pulis
Plant Manager