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Project Title & Location
Toppenish Simcoe and Western Yakama Sawmill Traffic Upgrades, Yakima County
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Project Description
Upgrades existing Toppenish Simcoe & Western line for increased traffic from Yakama Tribe sawmill, supporting 225 jobs.
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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 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.
At a meeting in August 2007 between WSDOT, the County and the railroad the County and the Railroad agreed to submit a joint proposal to move the project forward by mid-October 2007. Once this is received it will be reviewed by WSDOT and if scope change results submitted to the legislature for approval.
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