County supports Columbia Rail Project
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners is issuing a letter of support for the Columbia Rail Project. Chairman George Murdock said that the project is mainly, but not completely, in Walla Walla County.
“It does serve grain elevators and other things of that type into Umatilla County on the northern border,” he said.
The project, which impacts the Weston short line, would add 2,500 feet of new siding track near Swofford and new switches in Milton-Freewater. The existing switches are described as antiquated and in need of replacement.
“If this rail line can be improved, it will assist in the safety, efficiencies, and increase economic development opportunity in this area of our county,” the letter of support states.
The letter of support is to supplement the grant application already filed for the project.
Photo via Columbia Rail
