Overview
This project was the proactive rehabilitation of an existing 1.5 mile rail spur located at the Port of Ephrata. This rail spur was built in the 1940's and had received little maintenance since it was built.
 | Improves Safety
Improves safety for freight rail service, including offloading of LP gas products.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
By maintaining the rail line, it is projected that over 7,500 semi- truck hauls will be avoided from Port of Seattle.
|
 | Protects Environment
Projected to eliminate over 7,500 semi-truck loads per year, decreasing green-house gas.
|
 | Economic Incentive
It is the only rail access for the Port to the BNSF mainline. One shipper, Katana, depends heavily on receiving raw steel goods for its wind tower production. With over 2,000 acres of industrial and commercially zoned land, the Port Authority is the largest single landholder within the City of Ephrata corporate limits. The rail line rehabilitation played a key role in attracting American Tire Corporation, which will bring in over 300 jobs to the area in the next two years plus significant tax revenues.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
WSDOT worked in cooperation with the Port of Ephrata.
Funding
This project was funded through the following resources:
- Freight rail Assistance Funding Program: $127,000
- CREB (Community Economic Revitalization Board): $265,785
Total funding from all sources: $392,785
Contact Us
Andrew Wood
Project Manager
WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360-705-7938
E-mail: Andrew Wood
back to top