New Merced County 'inland port' expected to create 250 jobs, thanks to $49.6 million grant

County officials say it will also mean fewer big rigs on highways

Merced County elected officials, Patriot Rail staff and local dignitaries are shown July 18, 2023 at Castle Commerce Center, in Atwater, CA. Merced County is getting nearly $50M in state funding for a new inland port. PHOTO BY VICTOR A. PATTON

Merced County will be home to the state’s next inland port thanks to almost $50 million from the California State Transportation Agency.

The county will use the money to develop 70 acres of land at Castle Commerce Center, the former U.S. Air Force base in Atwater. Mark Hendrickson, Merced County assistant executive officer, estimates the new port will create around 250 jobs.

“This is a project that's going to connect the dots between aviation, certainly freight rail, and ultimately the highway. Ultimately, one of the goals here is to get trucks off the road, put more onto rail, improve air quality, and offer jobs and opportunities to those who don't have them.”

Railroad tracks and shipping facilities at Castle Commerce Center will expedite shipping goods to and from ports in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland.