Neosho group proposes 500-acre distribution hub

The Neosho Area Business and Industrial Foundation announced a proposal Monday to build the Crowder Global Gateway Intermodal Facility.

The project calls for a 500-acre distribution hub within the city's industrial park and foreign trade zone. Organizers say the project would bring the city's access to the interstate highway system together with its rail transportation, according to the Joplin Globe.

“In terms of the center of distribution, the central part of the country may be where you want to be,” said Mike Franks, executive director of the foundation. “Central Midwest ports will reduce West Coast dependency for shipments.”

The foundation hasn't yet finalized its plans and requires access to $25 million in funding from grants and private investors, as well as final engineering and economic reports on feasibility, the Globe reports.

Read more from the Joplin Globe.