Eastern Wash. DOT seeks innovative rail line operators

The Washington State Department of Transportation is looking for a freight rail operator to provide rail services to businesses in Grant and Adams Counties.

WSDOT released a request for proposals February 6. Interested parties must submit their proposals by noon on Wednesday, March 19.

“This section of track has been out of service for the last 16 years,” said Alan Schrom, commissioner for the Port of Royal Slope. “But, we’re back in business thanks to a $750,000 grant from the Washington state legislature.”

Along with operating and maintaining 26 miles of track which runs between Othello and Royal City, the operator will be tasked with creating an innovative economic development plan designed to provide competitive rail service for the region’s rail shipping community.

Contractors can learn more about the request for proposals by visiting the website at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Business/Contracts/default.htm

Rail transportation is critical to keeping both freight and Washington’s economy moving. Currently, short lines form an important part of the network for shipping many goods to foreign and domestic markets.

Operations on the freight rail line are expected to resume in May 2014.