Pitsch hired to push intermodal study, plans

Mat Pitsch, the former vice president of economic development at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, will begin May 1 as the point person to study and plan a regional intermodal operation.

Pitsch will work for the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District and the Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization. He will also work with the Regional Intermodal Task Force.

“We feel that Mat is the ideal person to guide the region’s freight management initiatives and, through his direction and expertise, successful advancements in our freight capabilities and capacities are just around the corner,” Ken O’Donnell, director of the Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District has managed the process to identify the viability of creating a formal organization that would develop, maintain and/or operate intermodal/port facilities. The goal is to create a structure and facilities “that would enhance regional freight management and advance the competitiveness of the region’s business,” according to WAPDD information. (Link here to commentary from an official working on the effort.)

The funding to support the intermodal effort comes from legislation shepherded Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren, through the 87th Arkansas General Assembly. The two bills — HB 1749, HB 1750 — sought $50,000 and $326,000 “ to support the development and implementation of regional intermodal freight facilities and operations in the west and northwest regions of Arkansas.” The bills were supported with $375,000 from the Arkansas’ general improvement fund.