The tracks in question are part of the old UP line to Moscow which was used until the viaduct was rebuilt. Then that set of tracks was used to park emptied coal hoppers for cleaning until WSU closed down the coal plant. Since technically WATCO still has rights to the ex-UP accounts in Pullman and Moscow (even though all rail traffic has moved via the ex-P&L nee W&I since the bridge fire), I guess that means WATCO has a previous right to scrap that little segment of trackage. It should be noted the siding along the ex-BN tracks is still being used to park empty tankers and is not scheduled to be torn out.

Secondly, that bit of property is prime for commercial development, so I'm sure WATCO and/or the State are set to make some bucks off the sale of that land once the rails are removed.

Frankly, it shouldn't be too long until someone convinces that seed plant just across the border from Moscow (the only account left in Moscow) to relocate to somewhere north of Pullman, then W&I can scrap the rest of it's line into Moscow. Not sure if any accounts in Pullman are left, that'd mean the line could end up truncating at Fallon.

Of course, if it was up to me, I'd have the State of Washington take those rails that run to Moscow and use them to rebuild the line down to Uniontown. Then I'd have the state build a shuttle loading loop track at Uniontown to serve the grain elevators there.

But, that's just me.........