MONROE, La. (AP) — Construction is under way on a rail extension at the Greater Ouachita Port that officials believe will create a boom in business.

The News-Star reports Amythest Construction of West Monroe won the bid for the $1.6 million job that was funded through six federal, state and local entities.

The project will extend the rail on the land side of the port. Although the port has a dock for river access, so far its business is exclusively rail.

Currently the port relies on its primary customer, Graphic Packaging, to make all switches on the tracks. Once the rail extension is complete, port personnel can make their own switches, which will allow the port to attract other customers.

The project is expected to be complete in November.

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