WSDOT - Rail - Participate in the State Rail Plan

Resources

State Rail Plan Project Overview (pdf 259kb)
A two-page handout describing the purpose of the plan, schedule, and opportunities for public involvement
Project Timeline (pdf 174kb)
A more detailed project timeline outlining the schedule for technical work and public comment
State Rail Plan Workshop Report (pdf 2mb)
State Rail Plan - Public Workshop Presentation
(pdf 2.5mb)
Benton-Franklin Council of Governments Regional Rail Workshop Presentation
(2.7 mb)
Give us your input

Overview

The Washington State Rail Plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for future public investment in the state’s rail transportation system. It will provide an integrated plan for freight and passenger rail, including 5- and 20-year funding strategies, that meets federal and state requirements. The plan will inform the state Freight Mobility Plan; guide WSDOT as it develops strategic freight rail partnerships to support essential rail service; and establish priorities for determining which freight rail investments should receive public support. It will also guide Washington as it works with Oregon and British Columbia to implement intercity passenger rail service. WSDOT will release the final state rail plan by the end of 2013.

Opportunities for Involvement

Rail transportation is dependent on many partnerships between government agencies, private industry and other stakeholders. The plan cannot be successfully implemented without strong support which makes collaboration necessary for a successful outcome. The plan will be a product of broad participation. We are connecting with stakeholders and members of the public in a variety of ways:

Stakeholder interviews: The purpose of these brief interviews is for information gathering and to solicit perspectives on the existing rail system and identify significant issues and opportunities for the near and long term.
Stakeholder Advisory Committee: The committee, comprised of individuals selected from multiple rail constituencies, will act as a sounding board as we proceed through development of the plan.
Public meetings (workshops and open house): Three meetings were held at the beginning of the process and more will follow with the release of the draft state rail plan to solicit public input.

In addition, the project team will provide briefings to groups, send email updates and post updates online throughout the project.

Particpants discuss their ideas for the State Rail Plan during the November 2012 Public Workshop in Seattle

Request a Briefing

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

For more information, contact:

Kerri Woehler
Rail Planning and Strategic Assessment Manager
360-705-6902
Kerri.Woehler@wsdot.wa.gov

Laura Kingman
Marketing and Communications Manager
360-705-7904
Laura.Kingman@wsdot.wa.gov