Project Facts
- The PCC rail system provides local rail service to some rail businesses and many grain shippers.
- Prior to the purchase, WSDOT assessed the benefits and costs of acquiring the PCC right of way and found that they justified the transaction.
- Read the "Purchase and Rehabilitation of the PCC Railroad Track: Assessment of Economic and Community Benefits" report (pdf 685 kb) for more information.
May 2008
On June 1, 2007, the State of Washington took possession of the CW Branch of the Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Railroad. The Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad began operating the line under a lease with the State, and ran its first train on June 10.
The State also took possession of the previously purchased P & L Branch on June 1. The Washington & Idaho Railroad began operating the line under a lease with the State on June 1.
Watco, the previous owner and operator of all of the branches, will continue to operate the PV Hooper Branch under a lease signed with the State in November 2004.
WSDOT has identified areas along each Branch where rehabilitation is urgently needed. Many of these areas will be rehabilitated in the 2008 construction season.
WSDOT Purchases Eastern Washington Rail LinesWSDOT Selects Operators for Eastern Washington
Overview
WSDOT purchased the rights of way and rail in the P & L Branch and PV Hooper Branch of the PCC in November 2004. Purchase of the CW Branch and the remaining rights in the other two branches was completed in May 2007.
Some rehabilitation work will be performed in the 2007-09 biennium to prevent deterioration of the railroad. Up to $7 million is available to upgrade the lines after local governmental entities are formed to manage the operation of the railroads.
Why is WSDOT
purchasing and rehabilitating the Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Railroad?
Public ownership of the PCC capital assets provides an opportunity for private operators to provide economically viable rail service to shippers along the lines.
Rehabilitation is needed to correct the effects of decades of deferred maintenance. Many places along the lines must be operated at a speed lower than would be allowed if the lines had been properly maintained on an ongoing basis. Rehabilitation will prevent further deterioration, help raise operating speeds in some locations, and make the operation of the lines more efficient and commercially viable.
What's the current status of these rail lines?
Watco is operating the PV Hooper Branch, the Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad is operating the CW Branch, and the Washington & Idaho Railway is operating the P & L Branch.
WSDOT has identified areas along each Branch where rehabilitation is urgently needed, and has developed a rehabilitation plan for the three rail lines: CW Branch, P&L Branch, and the PV Hooper Branch.
The End Result
WSDOT acquired the PCC Railroad assets to provide an opportunity to create a viable railroad system able to serve Washington shippers for years to come.
Project Benefits
- Lower shipping costs
- Preserve jobs at rail-dependent industries
- Minimize the added wear and tear on state roadways caused each year by thousands of heavy truckloads
What is the project timeline?
The acquisition was completed, and new operators were selected and began operation in June 2007.
A new rehabilitation plan for emergency repairs was developed during the summer and fall of 2007. Project work will begin in the summer of 2008.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office for more information.
WSDOT continues to work with port districts, county governments, and rail-dependent shippers to collaborate on how to preserve this rail system for now and in the future.
Environmental Protection
Rail transportation requires less fuel per ton-mile and produces less pollution than other forms of transportation. This translates into significant fuel savings and more environmentally responsible movement of Washington State products.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
With the purchase of the PCC Railroad, WSDOT will be able to increase the safety of this line through future rehabilitation of the tracks.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT consulted with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Colville Confederated Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe, Spokane Tribe, Umatilla Tribe, and Yakama Nation in 2004 on this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Legislative Transportation Package (New & Used Vehicle Sales Tax) - $20.7 million
- 2005 Legislative Transportation Package - $7 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $27.7 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Mike Rowswell
Special Initiatives Manager
Washington State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7930
E-mail: Mike Rowswell
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