The SP spun off all of their Oregon branchlines in the 1991-1994 era in a plan to sell the I-5 corridor and other key routes to the UP in 1996 which has worked out very well and probably saved the Golden Empire from bankruptcy. Difference between these spinoffs (OPR, P&W, CORP, WVR) is they were taken over by EXPERIENCED OPERATORS, were still intact and had ACTIVE SHIPPERS...a huge difference bewtween them and the NWP.

Also, except for some minor state and FRA funding, these active Oregon shortline operations are self sustaining, actually OPERATE TRAINS, pay bills and employ workers, not bureaucrats.

Sorry for the use of UPPERCASE; I know it's like shouting, but somebody down in the Governor's office needs to be heard!!!

Shortline Sammie Dick Samuels, Owner, Oregon Pacific Railroad