Southern Oregon and Norther California shippers may soon be able to get their product to market using the Siskiyou rail line thanks to a little extra help from Oregon’s Congressional Delegation.
The Coos-Siskiyou Shippers Coalition, Roseburg Forest Products, Timber Products Company out of Springfield, Oregon and the Yreka Western Railroad filed an application with the STB in August of 2008 to allow an alternate rail carrier to operate the line.
Bob Ragon, spokesman for the Coos-Siskiyou Shippers Coalition says some heat is being put on the Surface Transportation Board that could prompt a decision before the end of the year.
Oregon Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Oregon Congressma Peter DeFazio signed a letter that was sent yesterday to STB Chaiman Daniel Elliot urging action on the matter.
Ragon says if they receive a positive response from the STB, coalition members are ready to go to work on the project and get service back in a timely fashion.
The coalition selected West Texas & Lubbock Railroad Company to operate on the Siskiyou rail line from Weed, California into southern Oregon.
Ragon says if the petition is approved rail service could be restored by March 1st.