Columbia Basin Railroad gives update regarding railroad project in Moses Lake

Online, June 29, 2010 (Newswire.com) - MOSES LAKE - At a recent Vision 2020 meeting in Moses Lake, representatives of Columbia Basin Railroad gave an update regarding the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project.

Tim Kelly of Columbia Basin Railroad explained the goal of the rail project and discussed the portion referred to as Segment 4 which runs through downtown Moses Lake along Neppel Park and over the Alder Fill. The goal is to construct a rail line called Segment 1 to bypass the downtown area, several road crossings and reconnect the route to the Grant County International Airport.

He said the right-of-way and the permits have been approved by the federal government for the construction of Segment 1, but no other work has been done.

A portion of the rail line called Segment 2 has received some funding and would extend rail service to the area of Moses Lake Industries and the Grant County International Airport.

The elimination of Segment 4 in the downtown area would affect some businesses but the railroad would work with them to ensure their rail needs are met, Kelly said.

"It's a broad-based economic plan for the community," he said.

By eliminating the down-town rail portion, it opens up the area near the park for expansion and eliminates the crossing at the Alder Fill, alleviating current and future traffic issues as the industrial area grows.

He said funding is needed to build the Segment 1 bypass route. The railroad is working with the Port of Moses Lake to encourage the state and federal government to allocate funding for the project.

Columbia Basin Railroad 's Government Affairs Consultant Pat Boss said as more businesses, such as SGL-BMW move into the industrial area, there will be an increasing need for rail service. If the bypass route can't be constructed in time to serve their needs, the route coming through downtown Moses lake will be required to be upgraded to serve them. Once the downtown route is upgraded, it would likely not be financially feasible to build the bypass and remove the downtown route, he said.

Kelly said they have not met with SGL-BMW representatives about what their rail needs are, but does know they have a long term interest in rail service.

Boss said Columbia Basin Railroad plans to meet with SGL-BMW to determine what their needs will be.

Vision 2020 member Richard Teals said Vision 2020 must do everything they can to promote the construction of the Segment 1 bypass route.