PRESS RELEASE--Oct. 4, 2004
Contact: Marie Wise, Communications/Public Affairs Manager
360-425-3305
PORT OF LONGVIEW
DEDICATES NEW INDUSTRIAL RAIL CORRIDOR
Longview, Washington - The completion of the Port of Longview's Industrial Rail Corridor was celebrated by Port commissioners, elected officials and railroad and industry representatives on Monday, October 4 at the Port's industrial park on International Way.
The first run of the Port's locomotive across the tracks heralded the long-awaited completion of the project. Elected officials rode the Port's locomotive as it broke through a ribbon on the tracks at International Way.
"This project is a milestone for the future development and diversity of our Port operations," said Port of Longview Commissioner Larry Larson. "It improves the connection between the mainline railroad and the Port's marine terminals and industrial property," he stated.
The $21 million Industrial Rail Corridor represents a major effort by the Port to diversify operations and expand cargo handling. Combined with the purchase of 300 acres of industrial property and a major roadway improvement at International Way, it positions the Port to locate new industry at the industrial park and provide more efficient rail service to the marine terminals.
"Developing efficient inland freight connections is essential to serving our customers and remaining competitive as a deep-water port," said Ken O'Hollaren, the Port's Executive Director. "Not only does the rail corridor enhance transportation options for new industry, it allows us to serve our existing marine terminal customers more efficiently."
The rail corridor extends from the main line of the Burlington Northen/Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads into the Port's industrial park and marine terminals and consists of 3.2 miles of rail trackage and an overpass. While trains previously entering the Port had to travel via a circuitous route across three at-grade crossings, which backed up traffic during peak hours, they now enter the Port directly. This greatly enhances rail safety and reduces traffic congestion in the industrial area.
The industrial property served by the new rail corridor is the area formerly owned by the Long-Bell Lumber Company, founder of the city of Longview in the 1920's. The Port acquired the 300-acre site in the 1990's for redevelopment as an industrial park in order to attract new industries dependent on port services. Upon completion, the rail corridor will provide a key transportation asset for the community as the property is marketed to new and expanding industry.
"With this investment, the Port of Longview has positioned itself to serve as one of the growth engines for Cowlitz County in the future," said John Karl, Manager of Economic Development for the Pacific Region of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway.
In order the fund the project the Port developed partnerships at the federal, state and local level. At the federal level, a grant was received through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. At the state level, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, Transportation Improvement Board and Rural Economic Revitalization Board all contributed funds. At the local level Cowlitz County awarded a grant through the Rural Development Fund, made possible through a sales tax rebate program passed by the state legislature in 1997.
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For further information regarding information contained in this press release contact Communications/Public Affairs, 360-425-3305. |
