Florida-based CSX Corp., a rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions provider, and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) plan to build a at FSCJ’s Fire Academy of the South.
The center will train emergency managers, industry professionals and first responders how to handle rail-related hazmat incidents. Students will receive classroom instruction and participated in live exercises. They will gain experience in containment, response and coordination using simulators, an augmented reality scenario program, general and pressure service tank cars, highway cargo tank trucks, and a locomotive.
“This facility will be an invaluable resource for training first responders to handle hazardous materials incidents effectively,” Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and CEO, said. “Our partnership with FSCJ reflects our broader commitment to delivering safe and reliable operations while creating value and opportunity in the communities in which we live and work.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer, and training programs will begin in early 2026.
CSX’s network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States and links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports with major population centers.
Florida State College at Jacksonville has more than 45,000 students and awards nearly 4,000 degrees and certificates annually.