Donation Looks To Expand The NCBR Project

Columbia Basin Railroad announced this week it has donated Segment 3 of its rail line to the Port of Moses Lake.  CBRW said in Tuesday’s announcement this will enhance rail connectivity and support regional economic growth, benefiting the prominent industrial, food processing, and agricultural areas in the region.

Segment 3 spans approximately three miles and its refurbishment is part of a larger initiative to expand rail service in the Moses Lake area.  This effort is part of the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of approximately eight miles of rail corridor, connecting the existing CBRW rail line in Wheeler to the Grant County International Airport and industrial lands along the Wheeler Industrial Corridor.

CBRW said the Project is aimed at boosting the region’s freight capacity, thereby enabling local industries to thrive.

The NCBRP has received both state and federal funding and involves constructing two new rail lines (Segments 1 and 2), and now will receive the donation of Segment 3, which will be refurbished. Segments 1 and 3 will extend from Wheeler Road to the GCIA, while Segment 2 will connect the GCIA to the northern industrial areas. The refurbishment of Segment 3 will ensure seamless connectivity between these new segments and existing infrastructure.

"We are thankful to Columbia Basin Railroad for their donation of Segment 3," said Dan Roach, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake.  "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."

"We are proud to support the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project by donating Segment 3 of our rail line to the Port of Moses Lake," said Brig Temple, President/CEO of Columbia Basin Railroad. "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."

The Moses Lake, Wheeler, Warden, Bruce, and Othello areas, which are all along the CBRW line, are recognized as some of the best locations for industrial and food processing development in the United States.  Columbia Basin Railroad, a leading short line railroad, has played a vital role in serving these major industrial, food processing, and agricultural hubs, providing efficient and reliable rail transportation services.

"The growth of manufacturing and food processing along the Columbia Basin Railroad line has been remarkable," noted Brant Mayo, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Development Council.  "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."

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