CSX, Florida college to build hazmat response facility

CSX and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) yesterday announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art hazardous materials training facility located at the college’s fire academy in Jacksonville, Florida. 

The facility will be used to train first responders, emergency managers and industry professionals to handle rail-related hazardous material incidents through live exercises and classroom instruction.  

Students will gain hands-on experience with containment, response and coordination using general and pressure service tank cars, highway cargo tank trucks, simulators, a locomotive and an augmented reality scenario program, CSX officials said in a press release. 

“This facility will be an invaluable resource for training first responders to handle hazardous materials incidents effectively,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs. “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, with training programs to launch in early 2026. 

“[We are] dedicated to supporting critical needs for advanced emergency management education, which we know contributes to our region's vitality,” said FSCJ President John Avendano.