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Third Option Put Forth for Rail Line; 'More Efficient Route' Avoids Other Plans' Difficulties

Posted on: Thursday, 15 September 2005, 15:00 CDT

Environmental hurdles and neighborhood concerns surrounding two plans for a new rail line into the Port of Vancouver could vanish if an emerging third option becomes the preferred route.

Port commissioners will hear at today's meeting a detailed explanation of the fledgling plan to run the rail line from the existing route inside port property, south to the Columbia River waterfront and east under the existing railroad bridge that spans the river. The line would connect near West Eighth Street to the BNSF Railway line.

"It has the potential, really we think, to be a more efficient route than the other two, because most of our traffic is east-west, particularly grain," said Larry Paulson, port executive director.

Along with the routing, it is expected commissioners will hear how much this route costs compared to the others.

One of the previous alternatives took the line around the north end of Vancouver Lake. It comes with plenty of environmental concerns with wetland issues in the adjacent wildlife refuge. Port officials estimated that line would cost $15.6 million.

The other path dropped the rail line south from Fruit Valley Road and had people in the surrounding neighborhood concerned.

The newest option avoids many of those problems.

"It's just less controversial," Paulson said.

The port is feverishly working to solve the transportation issue to not only improve operations for existing tenants, but for the upcoming development of Columbia Gateway. That project will transform 557 acres of open land into industrial sites that are expected to employ up to 2,000 people.

The lengthy environmental and regulatory review process for Columbia Gateway is under way, and the port is pursuing an aggressive time line to get the required permits to start construction by 2008 with the first tenant arriving by 2010.

The port is already pursuing potential tenants for the new land.

Two new auto loading facilities are being considered for the Columbia Gateway area. Similar operations on the West Coast are being squeezed out due to increased container traffic, and port officials are trying to capitalize on that movement by luring another operation to Vancouver. Subaru already uses Vancouver's port.

Jonathan Nelson covers the Port of Vancouver. Reach him at 360- 759-8013 or via e-mail at jonathan.nelson@columbian.com.

Update

Previously: The Port of Vancouver wants to increase rail traffic into its facility and had two alternative routes for that plan.

What's new: A third, less controversial route, is being discussed at today's port meeting.

What's next: Port officials are expected to choose a new line in the coming months.

Source: Columbian

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