Courtesy of "Source ONE News"
March 11, 2025
(My alternate title: CBRW Dumps Unused Trackage-Reduces Tax Burden)
MOSES LAKE - In a strategic move to enhance rail connectivity in Moses Lake, Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) has generously donated Segment 3 of its rail line to the Port of Moses Lake, marking a significant milestone for the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project (NCBRP). This donation is a key component of a broader initiative to expand rail services across the region, benefiting various industrial sectors including food processing and agriculture.
Stretching approximately three miles, Segment 3's refurbishment is crucial within the NCBRP, which aims to overhaul about 8 miles of rail corridor. This expansion connects the existing CBRW line in Wheeler to the bustling Grant County International Airport and nearby industrial zones along the Wheeler Industrial Corridor. The project, supported by state and federal funding, is set to significantly enhance the region's freight capacity and economic landscape.
The project entails the construction of two new rail lines, Segments 1 and 2, and the refurbishment of the newly donated Segment 3. This configuration ensures comprehensive connectivity from Wheeler Road to the airport, extending to northern industrial locales, thereby streamlining operations and infrastructure synergy.
Dan Roach, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake, shared his appreciation, stating, "We are thankful to Columbia Basin Railroad for their donation of Segment 3. This donation will play a pivotal role in helping the Port to enhance the rail infrastructure as well as to support industrial and economic development of Moses Lake and the area."
Echoing this sentiment, Brig Temple, President/CEO of Columbia Basin Railroad, emphasized the donation’s broader impact. "This project will not only enhance rail connectivity but also contribute to the economic vitality of the Moses Lake area by improving access to vital industries and creating new job opportunities," he said.
The expansion promises numerous advantages, such as improved freight mobility, potential lakefront development in downtown Moses Lake, and better access to the surrounding industrial zones. These enhancements are anticipated to attract rail-dependent businesses and spur economic growth, while also alleviating roadway wear and tear.
The importance of the railroad stretches beyond infrastructure, touching economic aspects as well. Brant Mayo, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Development Council, noted, "The growth of manufacturing and food processing along the Columbia Basin Railroad line has been remarkable. Columbia Basin Railroad has been an excellent partner, helping the GCEDC to attract industrial and economic development to our communities of Moses Lake, Wheeler and Warden."
Additionally, the CBRW's commitment extends to servicing new facilities such as the state-of-the-art Simplot French fry processing plant, which is poised to process millions of pounds of potatoes annually, further invigorating the local economy.
Local leaders like Pat Millard, Manager of the Port of Warden, and Shawn Logan, Mayor of the City of Othello, also praised CBRW's continuous support and commitment to improving local economic conditions and infrastructure, underlining the railroad’s pivotal role in fostering regional development and prosperity.
