Overview

Participate in the development of the next statewide rail plan. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has started work on the Washington State Rail Plan. This plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for future public investment in the state's freight and passenger rail network. It will provide an integrated plan that meets federal and state requirements and will propose 5- and 20-year strategies to improve the overall rail environment. The final plan will be released by the end of 2013.

This comes at an important time. Currently there are separate freight and passenger rail plans. This update is needed to provide a single, comprehensive policy-level planning document that integrates intercity passenger rail, freight rail, and commuter rail. This plan will also serve as a reference for other states and will contribute to the National Rail Plan.

In October 2013, states with intercity passenger rail service will be required to fund the operations and maintenance of the entire intercity passenger rail service, instead of partially relying on federal dollars through Amtrak. The states of Washington and Oregon recently agreed to manage the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor as one continuous corridor. The new plan will help guide implementation of these changes.

Opportunities for Involvement

There will be a number of statewide meetings over the next year. The advisory committee members will meet three times and two workshops will be held, with larger participation. An open house will also be scheduled at a later date.

• Fall 2012, Western Washington - Committee Meeting - Sept. 25,
• Fall 2012, Eastern Washington - Workshop - Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to noon
• Fall 2012, Western Washington - Workshop - Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to noon
• Winter 2012, Western Washington - Workshop - Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Spring 2013, Eastern Washington - Committee Meeting - TBA
• Summer 2013, Western Washington - Committee Meeting - TBA 

Request a Briefing

To schedule a briefing for your group please call 360-705-7900. 

State Rail Plan Advisory Committee

WSDOT invited stakeholders to participate on the State Rail Plan Advisory Committee. These committee members will:

• help ensure the information provided to decision makers is accurate;
• help WSDOT, and others in the rail community, understand the needs and goals for our rail system; and
• be part of the discussion on how to balance competing needs with limited funds, while prioritizing public investments in the rail transportation system.

Next Steps

WSDOT is reviewing existing mid-range and long-range passenger rail plans and freight rail plans. WSDOT is also coordinating with the state of Oregon and preparing for upcoming meetings.

Contact Information

For further information regarding the state rail plan, please visit the project page at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/rail/staterailplan, or contact Kerri Woehler at 360-705-6902 or Kerri.Woehler@wsdot.wa.gov.