April 2013
- More than 150 people attended state rail plan public workshops held in Spokane and Seattle. Participants provided feedback to help shape the vision, goals and objectives for the future of rail in Washington state.
- There will be more stakeholder advisory committee meetings held this winter, and next spring.
Why is WSDOT
developing a State Rail Plan?
The plan is needed to:
- prepare for the federal requirement when WSDOT and ODOT assume complete funding for operations and maintenance of the entire Amtrak Cascades service in October 2013;
- refresh forecasts and update data to comply with federal and state statutes, regulations, and planning guidance;
- combine freight and passenger rail plans to provide a single comprehensive policy-level planning document that integrates intercity passenger rail, freight rail, and commuter rail;
- guide implementation of the recent agreement between Washington and Oregon to manage the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor as one continuous corridor;
- serve as a reference for other states and contribute to the National Rail Plan.
The End Result
The state rail plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for future public investment in the state’s rail transportation system.
Project Benefits
The plan will:
- maximize efficiency;
- accommodate anticipated economic growth;
- articulate strategies for investing public funds; and
- fulfill pre-requisites to receive federal funds.
What is the project timeline?
The terms of the federal grant funding require that the work be complete by the end of 2013. Committee meetings are ongoing and public workshops were completed in October and November in Spokane and Seattle with over 150 attendees. For more information visit: Get Involved.
Financial Information
Washington State was awarded nearly $800 million for rail corridor improvements between Vancouver, WA, and the Canadian border. This project is one of those 20 federally funded projects and also has state funding.
- Federal High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grant: $400,000
- State funds: $300,000
Total project cost: $700,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kerri Woehler
Planning & Strategic Assessment Manager
WSDOT State Rail Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-6902
Email: Kerri.Woehler@wsdot.wa.gov
Laura Kingman
Marketing and Communications Manager
WSDOT State Rail Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7904
Email: Laura.Kingman@wsdot.wa.gov
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