A modern train on enhanced railroad tracks in central Washington.
The Columbia Basin Railroad Company in Moses Lake has received an $11.55 million federal grant for significant upgrades. This funding, part of the FRA’s CRISI Program, will allow the company to replace 10 miles of rail and around 8,000 cross ties, enhancing safety and performance for businesses relying on the railroad. The investment marks a vital step towards improving rail infrastructure in Washington state.
Great news coming out of Moses Lake! The Columbia Basin Railroad Company is about to embark on some significant upgrades with the help of a generous federal grant. Can you guess how much? A whopping $11.55 million! That’s right; we are headed towards a more efficient and safer railroad system in central Washington, and it’s about time!
This funding, which will be used for rail line rehabilitation, is provided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. What does all this mean? Well, it means that the company will be replacing approximately 10 miles of rail and about 8,000 cross ties. That’s a lot of wood and steel! But, these improvements are not just about new tracks and ties; they aim to enhance safety and overall system performance.
The goal here is to return the railway to a state of good repair while also increasing operating speeds and enhancing freight capacity. This is fantastic news for the 50 businesses that rely on the railroad—more reliable transportation means the potential for more profit and less hassle! Having safe and reliable tracks is crucial for connecting the business community throughout Washington state, ensuring products get where they need to go efficiently.
Now, let’s talk numbers. The Columbia Basin Railroad Company will contribute a 20 percent match to the grant funding, displaying their commitment to improving the system. The total investment in rail infrastructure across Washington state amounts to $115,577,598! That is a lot of investment aimed at strengthening supply chains and upgrading rail networks.
This isn’t the only exciting project happening in Washington state. Another major investment is going towards the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad (PCC), which is set to receive over $37 million for its final design and construction. The PCC project is focused on enhancing the ability to handle heavier and faster rail cars. Additionally, it aims to minimize vulnerabilities to extreme weather conditions, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change impacts transport routes.
The PCC will replace lightweight worn rail and old, rotten ties while also rebuilding road crossings that have seen better days. These changes are designed to notably improve the transport of agricultural products, particularly wheat, from eastern Washington to markets far and wide. It’s worth noting how crucial rail systems are for wheat farmers in the area; improving the rail infrastructure will help them get their products to market swiftly.
In closing, these investments in rail infrastructure are a win-win for the communities in Washington state. By strengthening these connections, it helps local businesses thrive and keeps our supply chains running smoothly. So, next time you see a train rolling through central Washington, remember that exciting things are happening on the tracks, and this is just the beginning!
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