Project Title & Location
Toppenish Simcoe and Western Yakama Sawmill Traffic Upgrades, Yakima County

Project Description
Upgrades existing Toppenish Simcoe & Western line for increased traffic from Yakama Tribe sawmill, supporting 225 jobs.

Contractor/Consultant
Yakima County, Columbia Basin Railroad

Recent Progress
In August 2006, WSDOT and the County executed amendments to the grant to allow the private operator to provide labor and equipment at no cost, which in turn allows the entire line to be upgraded rather than half of it.  The new plan called for the grant funds to be used for purchase of construction materials, administrative oversight, and for the the Columbia Basin Railroad to donate labor and equipment to perform the work.  The offer was made contingent on an extension of the operating lease to the railroad.

In October 2006, WSDOT learned that the railroad and county had not yet reached agreement for the donation.  Negotiations continue.  As a result, the project will not be completed before September 30, 2007; however, it remains possible for an agreement to be reached and materials purchased by that date. 

In June 2007 a meeting with the County and the railroad resolved to reexamine the scope to reflect the most appropriate use of the funds for the current and future shippers on this line.  After further meetings to be held in August 2007, a new agreement will be drawn up between the County and the state.

Design Construction Impacts
No construction impacts are anticipated.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
No environmental impacts are anticipated.

Impacts to Traffic
Track work will be done around train operations.  Work in the vicinity of at-grade crossing could cause minor delays to vehicles in the area.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account