LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. — A major step toward greener construction in the New York City area arrived with the official opening of the Blissville Rail Terminal in Queens, which will help distribute sustainable building materials for local infrastructure work.

Operated by Precision Terminal Logistics, the new terminal will be served by the New York & Atlantic Railroad and will enable the delivery of approximately 50,000 tons of harvested fly ash, a key low-carbon cement alternative, from Eco Material Technologies to construction projects across the city.

The facility celebrated its grand opening on April 29, marking what stakeholders called a milestone for both sustainable construction practices and efficient supply chain operations.

“The opening of the Blissville Terminal reinforces Eco Material’s leadership in sustainable innovation and a major step in our efforts to expand access to low-carbon cement alternatives in all major metro areas,” said Grant Quasha, CEO of Eco Material Technologies, in a press release. “By strengthening our presence in New York, we can better serve future infrastructure projects with innovative materials that reduce reliance on traditional portland cement and imported steel slag. Utilizing rail transportation streamlines delivery and aligns with our mission to advance sustainable solutions for the construction industry.”

The harvested fly ash — collected from coal-fired power plants — is increasingly valued in construction as it offers a way to cut carbon emissions and improve the durability of concrete. By integrating such alternatives, the industry reduces its dependence on portland cement, which is notorious for its high carbon footprint.

Marlon Taylor, president of the New York & Atlantic Railroad, emphasized the environmental benefits of the project: “This project allows us to leverage our extensive rail infrastructure to deliver materials to market efficiently. This approach reduces truck traffic, emissions, and wear and tear on our roadways while streamlining supply chains and supporting sustainable building practices in a key metropolitan area.”

Located strategically in Long Island City, the Blissville Terminal will help feed New York’s massive demand for construction materials as major projects like road repairs, subway improvements, and public housing upgrades continue across the five boroughs.

Precision Terminal Logistics noted that the site will also generate local economic benefits by supporting jobs tied to rail, logistics, and materials handling.

The opening comes at a time when the construction industry faces mounting pressure to meet climate goals. With building materials accounting for a sizable share of global carbon emissions, moves like this are seen as critical steps in decarbonizing urban growth.

More information is available on the Eco Material Technologies website.

Originally reported by Trains Staff in Trains.