Project Title & Location
Swift Customs Facility Capacity Improvements, Blaine, WA

Project Description
Constructs additional rail line capacity to accommodate customs and security needs, while reducing congestion and delays for freight and passenger trains on the main line.

Contractor/Consultant
BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas

Recent Progress
This project, funded in the 2005 package at $3.0 million, will increase rail line capacity at the Swift Customs Facility and will ensure Amtrak Cascades schedule reliability.  State funds will supplement a $3.0 million federal earmark.  The legislature assumes an additional $3.0 million in private/local/other funds that have not been secured.  The project is spread over the next two biennia (05-07 and 07-09).   BNSF is working to secure additional public funds from other sources such as the Department of Homeland Security.

Pre-construction engineering began in December 2005, which will result in a phased construction plan to match the funds available while providing incremental improvements to rail and inspection operations.  However, BNSF is now considering a modified plan, based on recent traffic modeling.  The modified plan could delay completion of the Pre-construction Engineering and Right-of-Way purchases, delay the start of construction, and change the funds required for each.  It is not known if this will delay the completion of construction, scheduled for June 2009.

Design Construction Impacts
The City of Blaine has expressed concern about the location of US Homeland Security’s rail car inspection machine and the blockage of traffic at SR 548.  This machine is located at the northern end of the project area.  The new inspection tracks will not alleviate this problem.  Only relocation of the machine will change this situation. Neither BNSF nor US Homeland Security intends to move the machine at this time.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
New inspection tracks on the south side of the project area may require the filling of some wetlands.  This will require permits necessary to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Impacts to Traffic
The project may impact freight and passenger operations when construction commences.  Amtrak Cascades passengers will be moved by motor coach during some work windows.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account