This is from his statement to the STB.


"The sudden shutdown of the Coos Bay line ... has created great uncertainty for companies in this region," said Kulongoski in a prepared statement. "This uncertainty cannot continue - and the answer is that rail service must be restored. To do anything less is unfair and unjust for the citizens in this community who rely on this railroad to provide for themselves and their families."


What about the families of the people in Tillamook that have been waiting for the RR to open. Not just the RR employees, the mills, farms and anyone that has been stuck behind the increased truck traffic.

"After many attempts by the state to be a partner, it is my opinion that the only option for the board at this time is to adopt the Port of Coos Bay feeder line application," said Kulongoski said. "At some point, providing infrastructure for rural America cannot be just a bottom-line accounting decision. Otherwise, small economic regions like the southern Oregon coast will become more isolated and economically unstable."