CSX, Capital Trees, and the City of Richmond Partner to Create the Low Line, a 5.5 Acre Environmental and Beautification Project Along the Virginia Capital Trail

Richmond, Va., July 23, 2015 /3BL Media/ -- CSX, Capital Trees, and the City of Richmond have signed agreements to begin the creation of the Low Line, a 5.5 acre environmental and beautification project along Dock Street adjacent to the Virginia Capital Trail, on the historic James River and Kanawha Canal. CSX, which owns the rail trestle that runs along the planned beautification area into downtown Richmond, is donating $100,000 to support the project.

"Rarely does an opportunity to do something so transformative present itself," said Jeanette McKittrick, chairman of Capital Trees' board of trustees. "The Low Line is the uncommon event where the necessary elements of timing, circumstance, will, and ability come together to recast a place of great historic, environmental, cultural and economic interest. It is Capital Trees' vision to help Richmondlive up to its stunningly beautiful natural gifts, to work harder to protect the James River, and to work harder, think harder, about landscapes and streetscapes. We're very grateful that CSX and the City of Richmond have the vision to see the importance of this project and have joined in as true collaborators."

Mayor Dwight C. Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I am pleased that this partnership will enhance the beauty of the City's riverfront as well as the Virginia Capital Trail.  Creative partnerships among the City, corporate partners like CSX, and volunteer non-profits like Capital Trees are taking the Richmond resurgence to the next level."

Project plans for the Low Line include enhancing the area between the Capital Trail and CSX's rail trestles along the James River and Kanawha Canal, removing invasive weeds and creating an attractive landscape with primarily native trees, shrubs and perennials, along with storm water mitigation amenities, educational signage and space for interpretive public art.  The Low Line takes creative inspiration from the High Line, an elevated unused CSX railway viaduct running through Manhattan that was transformed into a beautiful urban garden.

The Low Line concept is the creation of Capital Trees, which is responsible for the project's design, funding and execution. Site preparation is underway and partial completion is expected prior to the UCI World Championships in September. In addition to the CSX and City of Richmond donations, the project has attracted significant support from The Cabell Foundation, the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, the Roller-Bottimore Foundation, the Rock Foundation, the Garden Club of Virginia, and individual donors.

"CSX aims to be a positive influence on the communities where we live and work, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability and preservation," said Bryan Rhode, regional vice president - state government affairs in Virginia. "Richmond is a key part of our company's history and our business today – including the nexus of three transportation networks, important rail and transfer facilities, and critical access to the Port of Virginia – so we're proud to be able to support the exciting Low Line initiative."

About CSX 
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com.

About Capital Trees 
Capital Trees is a non-profit environmental organization whose mission is to enhance and restore the urban landscape and public spaces in the Richmond community. We envision a greener, more beautiful Richmond through the thoughtful planning and planting of trees and public gardens, mindful of the city's extraordinary heritage and location on the banks of the James River. Visit us online at http://capitaltrees.org.