In choosing a site to begin or expand rail development, there are any number of variables.  Too often, customers and railroads become overwhelmed by them.  While making a choice is necessary, and avoiding "analysis paralysis" is key, due diligence could still be the difference between a successful project that can be achieved within budget and schedule and one that never gets off the ground.

So what is "due diligence"?  As you may have surmised, by "due diligence," I do not mean merely having ensured title is clear and a Phase 1 or Phase 2 environmental assessment has been completed.  I mean something beyond that.  Simply put, "due diligence" means doing the necessary homework to ensure that a project can be successfully brought to fruition.  

ARDA is currently accepting nominations for its 2018 Scholarship Program. As part of the program, ARDA members have the opportunity to nominate one candidate to receive one of these three available scholarships:

• One (1) $2,500 President's Scholarship
• Two (2) $1,250 Individual Scholarships

• Be sponsored by a current Active or Honorary ARDA member. ARDA members are permitted to sponsor one applicant per sponsorship year.
• Be enrolled either:
  • As a full-time college student at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, pursuing an associate, bachelor's or graduate level degree.
  • As a high school student expecting to graduate and having confirmed your enrollment at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university.

For more information on the ARDA scholarship please visit amraildev.com/scholarship. The application form can be downloaded here. To be considered, applications need to be received by April 20, 2018.

If you have not yet renewed your ARDA membership for 2018, please visit our website at  www.amraildev.com and log-in at the top right corner of the page. 

Your renewed membership allows ARDA to continue fostering the industrial, real estate, natural resources, market development activities and environmental concerns of the North American railroads through the advancement of ideas and education of its members. Members also discounted registration rates at ARDA events, including a $200 discount on the Annual Meeting!

If you are not an ARDA member and would like to join, please visit our  registration page .