Project Facts
- The PCC rail system provides local rail service to some rail businesses and many grain shippers.
- Prior to the purchase, WSDOT assessed the benefits and costs of acquiring the PCC right of way and found that they justified the transaction.
- Read the "Purchase and Rehabilitation of the PCC Railroad Track: Assessment of Economic and Community Benefits" report (pdf 685 kb) for more information.
July 2008
The State of Washington (State) took possession of all three branches of the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad System (PCC) on June 1, 2007. Each branch is operated by separate private railroad companies.
WSDOT oversees the facilities and regulatory portions of the operating leases. Whitman, Spokane, Lincoln and Grant Counties formed an intergovernmental entity in the spring of 2008 to oversee the business and economic development portions of the operating leases. The entity is called the PCC Rail Authority, and is chaired by Ted Hopkins - Lincoln County Commissioner.
The Legislature appropriated $3.6 million for projects on the PCC Rail System that are urgently needed. Contracts were awarded for projects on each of the lines with construction due to start in early August 2008 and to be completed no later than mid-November 2008.
The Legislature also appropriated $8.6 million to WSDOT to grant to the PCC Rail Authority for further rehabilitation on the PCC. The grant was made, and the PCC Rail Authority requested that WSDOT administer the funds and projects based on information collected in 2007. WSDOT is undertaking environmental studies for the projects already identified, and is updating the list developed in 2007 for PCC Rail Authority consideration.
WSDOT Purchases Eastern Washington Rail LinesWSDOT Selects Operators for Eastern Washington
Overview
WSDOT purchased the rights of way and rail in the P & L Branch and PV Hooper Branch of the PCC in November 2004. Purchase of the CW Branch and the remaining rights in the other two branches was completed in May 2007.
Some rehabilitation work will be performed in the 2007-09 biennium to prevent deterioration of the railroad.
Why is WSDOT
purchasing and rehabilitating the Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Railroad?
Public ownership of the PCC capital assets provides an opportunity for private operators to provide economically viable rail service to shippers along the lines.
Rehabilitation is needed to correct the effects of decades of deferred maintenance. Many places along the lines must be operated at a speed lower than would be allowed if the lines had been properly maintained on an ongoing basis. Rehabilitation will prevent further deterioration, help raise operating speeds in some locations, and make the operation of the lines more efficient and commercially viable.
What's the current status of these rail lines?
Watco is operating the PV Hooper Branch, the Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad is operating the CW Branch, and the Washington & Idaho Railway is operating the P & L Branch.
WSDOT has identified areas along each Branch where rehabilitation is urgently needed, and has developed a rehabilitation plan for the three rail lines: CW Branch, P&L Branch, and the PV Hooper Branch. WSDOT is also developing a plan for further rehabilitation projects to be constructed in 2009.
The End Result
WSDOT acquired the PCC Railroad assets to provide an opportunity to create a viable railroad system able to serve Washington shippers for years to come.
Project Benefits
- Lower shipping costs
- Preserve jobs at rail-dependent industries
- Minimize the added wear and tear on state roadways caused each year by thousands of heavy truckloads
What is the project timeline?
The acquisition was completed, and new operators were selected and began operation in June 2007.
A new rehabilitation plan for emergency repairs was developed during the summer and fall of 2007. Project work will begin in the summer of 2008. Project work for additional rehabilitation will begin in the spring of 2009.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office for more information.
WSDOT continues to work with port districts, county governments, and rail-dependent shippers to collaborate on how to preserve this rail system for now and in the future.
Environmental Protection
Rail transportation requires less fuel per ton-mile and produces less pollution than other forms of transportation. This translates into significant fuel savings and more environmentally responsible movement of Washington State products.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
With the purchase of the PCC Railroad, WSDOT will be able to increase the safety of this line through future rehabilitation of the tracks.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT consulted with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Colville Confederated Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe, Spokane Tribe, Umatilla Tribe, and Yakama Nation in 2004 on this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Legislative Transportation Package (New & Used Vehicle Sales Tax) - $20.7 million
- 2005 Legislative Transportation Package - $7 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $27.7 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Mike Rowswell
Special Initiatives Manager
Washington State Rail and Marine Office
PO Box 47407
Olympia, WA 98504-7407
Phone: 360.705.7930
E-mail: Mike Rowswell
back to top