Project Facts
- The existing track is in deteriorating condition.
- Continuing rail service to the Airway Heights industrial park will make the facility more attractive to new industries.
- The project will help to maintain 400 manufacturing jobs.
July 2008
WSDOT and Spokane county will be hosting an Informational Open House on Monday, July 21st from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Elementary School in Airway Heights (Spokane). Spokane County finalized the purchase of the right of way in March 2008 and has advertised for construction. Bids closed in May 2008.
Construction began in June 2008.
Why is WSDOT
upgrading the Geiger Spur Connection at Spokane's Airway Heights Industrial Park?
Currently the track connecting the Geiger Spur with the BNSF Railway main line near Airway Heights must go through Fairchild Air Force Base. When BNSF transferred ownership of the Spur to Spokane County, the Air Force required the County to remove all rail from the base by September 30, 2009. A new connection to BNSF is needed to continue rail service to existing customers, thereby preserving almost 400 jobs. Continued rail service also provides an opportunity for further economic development of the area.
Spokane County received $500,000 from the Department of Defense to begin initial engineering.
The End Result
A new spur connection will connect the Geiger Spur with the PCC near Medical Lake. The PCC connects with BNSF at Cheney.
Project Benefits
- Maintain the rail-dependent companies already at Airway Heights Industrial Park
- Attract new industries to the industrial park
What is the project timeline?
Engineering was completed in March 2007. Environmental compliance and right of way acquisition was delayed while negotiations took place. The right of way was acquired in March 2008 and the county advertised for bids in May. Construction started in June 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 county governments and rail-dependent shippers to collaborate on how to preserve this rail system for now and in the future.
Environmental Protection
Rebuilding Geiger Spur keeps existing shipments on rail. Rail transportation per ton-mile requires less fuel and produces less pollution than other forms of transportation. This translates to significant fuel and pollution savings for farmers and end customers.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Rebuilding the spur will keep the track in safe condition for many years to come.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT will consult the Colville Confederated Tribes, Kalispell Tribe, and Spokane Tribe on this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Partnership Funding (Weight Fees) - $1.5 million
- 2003 Legislative Transportation Package (New & Used Vehicle
Sales Tax) - $5.3 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $6.8 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Andrew Wood
Deputy Rail and Marine Director
State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7938
E-mail: Andrew Wood
Construction on this project will be managed by Spokane County. For contracting information, contact Chad Coles at 509.477.7450.
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