I think the main problem that Tillamook is facing is that they are 1) Not organized, and 2) not that isolated.

Down south the Shippers have come together and formed a united shippers coalition that wants/needs/supports the railroad.

In Tillamook the shippers have not said much other than "It's costing us a little more" They have held up the white flag.

Also, the roads between Portland and Tillamook are an easy transportation corridor and trucks are available in the Metro area for short hauls to the coast from a re-load if necessary.

For Coos Bay there are businesses that really cannot function long-term without the railroad. Trucking is not a good option due to truck supply and road routes. There is limited economic development opportunity for the south coast so I would agree that the rail line is imperative to save at this time or it will be gone forever.

For the POTB, The line and it's ownership are not going anywhere, even if it does sit for a few more years before being fixed.

Additionally, The POTB NEEDS money to fix its line, The POCB HAS the money available so no state funding is required from the Governor at this time. I think the Governor supports the POTB, and over the last year he and his staff have probably learned more about shortline railroading than anyone ever thought possible.

If Connect Oregon is approved for round three and the POTB has all it engineering work done one would think they would be able to get some money from the state at that time.