SPOKANE, Wash. — The Columbia Basin Railroad Company, which operates between Moses Lake and Connell in central Washington, received $11,552,000 of federal grant money to rehabilitate approximately 10 miles of their railroad line.
The grants come from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
The proposed project will replace approximately ten miles of rail and approximately 8,000 cross ties on the Columbia Basin Railroad. Below is a photo of the communities that the railroad travels between.
According to a press release from the office of Senator Patty Murray, the project seeks to enhance safety and improve system performance by returning the line to a state of good repair, increasing operating speeds and allowing for increased capacity to move freight.
“When it comes to the rails our trains travel every day—and which connect companies and communities across Washington state with crucial goods, services, and opportunities—it is important we have safe, reliable tracks,” said Senator Murray. “By helping to replace some 8,000 cross ties and 10 miles of rail, this funding will help us make sure the tracks serving the Columbia Basin are in tip-top shape and will safely increase operating speeds and capacity. This is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work—strengthening supply chains and upgrading our infrastructure so that America can compete and win the 21st century.”
The Columbia Basin Railroad Company says the update will benefit over 50 customers served by the railroad. Columbia Basin Railroad will contribute a 20 percent match to the grant.
The Columbia Basin Railroad project is one of nine investments announced by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
“The Columbia Basin Railroad serves over 50 businesses and is a lifeline for Washington farmers and exporters across Grant, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, and Whitman counties. This funding will facilitate critically needed track repairs which will enable increased freight capacity and operating speeds,” Senator Cantwell said.
The total project investment in Washington State’s rail system infrastructure totals at $115,577,598.
Another major project that will receive federal funding is the final design and construction of rehabilitation of the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad (PCC). The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will receive more than $37 million for the finalization of the project.
“Washington state growers need fast and reliable transportation systems to get their products to market, especially if they want to compete in tough international markets—this is critical for our wheat growers and this major federal investment will help ensure Washington state farmers have the kind of infrastructure they need to succeed,” said Senator Murray. “This is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work—strengthening supply chains and upgrading our infrastructure so that America can compete and win the 21st century.”
The PCC project is part of a multi-phase effort to improve the railroad system so it can handle heavier, faster rail cars and better withstand extreme weather conditions.
Grant funding will help replace lightweight worn rail and rotten railroad ties and rebuild dilapidated roadway crossings and surface tracks. Federal funds will cover 65% of the total project cost.
The PCC serves a critical part of the wheat supply chain in Eastern Washington. This project seeks to ensure that rural Eastern Washington agricultural products remain competitive in the global marketplace, by helping products reach customers faster.
Additionally, by keeping rail shipments available and competitive, this project will reduce road maintenance, enhance economic development, improve the environment and bring long-term jobs to rural communities.
“Wheat farmers in the state rely heavily on the Washington State Grain Train to help export 90 percent of the product they grow. This funding will replace lightweight, 100-year-old, worn rail with 34 miles of upgraded heavyweight track to accommodate heavy railcars, allowing train speeds to double, helping farmers get their goods to market more efficiently,” Senator Cantwell said.
